Thomas Delarue School


Thomas Delarue was a co-educational special secondary boarding school in Tonbridge, Kent, England that was established in 1955 and closed in 1989. It was run by The Spastics Society and catered for pupils with cerebral palsy.

History

Thomas Delarue School was established by The National Spastics Society in Tonbridge, Kent in 1955. It initially occupied an old house, located in Dene Park. The school was a boarding school. The first headmaster was a Mr Davies, A purpose-built school located on Starvecrow Hill was opened on 19 September 1963. On 9 June 1964, The Duke of Edinburgh visited the school to perform the official opening ceremony. Mr Davies retired in July 1964. In 1966, the school had 87 pupils. The next head teacher retired at the end of the Spring Term, 1967. His name was Mr Tudor.
In 1979, a film was made about the school by members of Sevenoaks School. It was made to show the work of the Sevenoaks Voluntary Service and to give an insight into working with people with disabilities. Thomas Delarue School closed in 1989.