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Latest News
- 29.10.10 | Bishop of Dover officially opens the new St George's CoE Foundation School
- 15.09.10 | St. John’s Catholic Comprehensive School celebrates opening of new school buildings
- 24.08.10 | New Isle of Sheppey Academy Designs unveiled
- 06.08.10 | Education Secretary, Michael Gove, approves funding for Sheppey Academy and Skinners’ Kent Academy, and reviews funding for a further six academies
- 06.07.10 | Leader of Kent County Council Paul Carter responds to Education Secretary Michael Gove's announcement that the BSF programme has been stopped
- 08.09.09 | Kier Group acquires stake in Kent's Building Schools for the Future programme
- 03.07.09 | Ifield School’s Innovative new design wins major award
- 20.03.09 | Kent BSF Exhibition celebrates start of construction
- 27.11.08 | The South Maidstone Federation Academies win Best BSF Academy delivered in Partnership at the Excellence in BSF Awards 2008
29.10.10 | Bishop of Dover officially opens the new St George's CoE Foundation School
The new £21million building for St George’s Church of England Foundation School, Broadstairs, was officially opened by the Right Reverend Trevor Willmott, the Bishop of Dover on 29 September.
The school boasts vibrant new buildings and refurbished facilities, including a large open plan “heart” space with specialist teaching areas, new science laboratories, a theatre, open plan art studio, and a four court sports hall and gymnasium.
All areas of the school are fully equipped to take advantage of the latest technology.
The school has also been transformed outside, with new play areas, grassed pitches and secure cycle storage to encourage students to adopt healthier lifestyles.
The entire project was also developed with sustainable methods of construction and materials to make sure that the school is as energy efficient as possible (see Notes to Editor).
Principal Kim Stoner said:
“At St George’s we are so fortunate that part of our dream has become a reality. We have a fabulous new building which has been designed to raise aspirations and inspire future generations of young people.
“We have so many people to thank for their hard work, commitment and dedication to this Building Schools for the Future project, not least of all Kent County Council, Kier and every governor and member of staff who shared the vision and joined us on our journey to ensure success.”
The Right Reverend Trevor Willmott said:
“It was a joy to be invited to share in the celebrations and opening of St George’s Church of England Foundation School. The opening of the new school is important not only for those who currently and will in the future benefit from the new facilities, but also for the wider community. It marks another sign of our shared intention to bring new life, energy and purpose to the communities of Thanet.”
KCC Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education Sarah Hohler said:
“The new school will inspire students and teachers for generations to come. There are modern facilities with a strong, traditional family ethos which will challenge and develop young people academically and socially. As a specialist business and enterprise school, the education today will, I hope, inspire the entrepreneurs of tomorrow.”
15.09.10 | St. John’s Catholic Comprehensive School celebrates opening of new school buildings
Summary: The new £25 million building for St John's Catholic Comprehensive School in Gravesend was officially opened by Peter Smith, the Archbishop of Southwark, on 15 September 2009.
He was joined by Sarah Hohler, Kent County Council Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education, Councillor Bill Lambert, Mayor of Gravesham and Sir Steve Redgrave, five times Olympic gold medallist.
The ceremony was conducted in front of more than a thousand students and staff.
The stunning school, which was built as part of previous Government's Building Schools for the Future Programme, has been designed to help transform the way students learn. A key part to the design is open plan rooms and a new ethos where students take more responsibility for their own learning. The iconic building features a Cathedral-like "heart" space and first floor art loft with floor to ceiling windows.
To read more on this story please visit the KCC News Pages.
24.08.10 | New Isle of Sheppey Academy Designs unveiled
The latest plans for the future Isle of Sheppey Academy were unveiled at the recent consultation evenings on 13-14 September 2010. Local residents, parents and pupils were invited to comment on the proposals, with members of the construction and design team on hand to answer any questions.
Sarah Hohler, KCC Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education, said:
“We have been working hard to improve the provision of education on Sheppey for some years. We are particularly pleased that, as co-sponsor of the new academy, the Coalition Government has listened to the priority we have given to this project and has given the go-ahead for the work to continue.
“This is a huge opportunity for the island and we want to involve the whole community in the new academy. We hope families of current and future students will have their say as we develop two iconic buildings to provide 21st century education.”
06.08.10 | Michael Gove, Education Secretary, approves funding for Isle of Sheppey Academy and Skinners’ Kent Academy, and reviews funding for a further six academies
Sarah Hohler, KCC Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education, said:
“I am pleased that the funding has been confirmed for the Isle of Sheppey Academy and Skinners Kent Academy. The new buildings and facilities will now go ahead as originally planned. This is a momentous decision for these two academies and the investment will transform education for generations to come.
“We are hopeful that along with the rest of Kent’s school building investment needs, the other six academies will be looked upon favourably as part of the government spending review. We will continue to work alongside the sponsors of those academies to make a compelling case for the capital investment.
“The Department for Education has indicated that costs for the remaining academies needs to be reduced. We have a proven track record in Kent for providing value for money and will offer that expertise to the sponsors, as required, with a view to securing the right facilities for students in Kent.”
The six academies which will be notified after the spending review are:
- Dover Christ Church Academy (Archers Court Maths and Computing College)
- St Augustine Academy (The Astor of Hever Community School)
- The Duke of York’s Royal Military School
- The John Wallis Church of England Academy (Ashford Christ Church CE Maths and Computing College)
- The Knole Academy (The Bradbourne and The Wildernesse School)
- Wilmington Enterprise College
06.07.10 | Education Secretary, Michael Gove, announces that the BSF programme has been stopped
Following Michael Gove’s announcement about the closure of the Building Schools for the Future Programme, Paul Carter, the Leader of Kent County Council, said:
"I have been surprised and disappointed by the scale of the announcement, which brings to an end the Building Schools for the Future programme for 40 secondary schools and means significant uncertainty for eight new academies. I am enormously disappointed for these schools, teachers, pupils and parents which will not see new schools built.”
Kent had the largest Building Schools for the Future programme in the country and had been at the forefront of building new academies. The announcement will come as an enormous shock to the 48 secondary schools (40 secondary schools and eight academies), including pupil referral units and special schools, in the county that would have benefited from being substantially rebuilt or refurbished.
To date, 11 secondary schools have been, or are in the process of being, rebuilt and seven new academies have been completed or are underway.
To read more on this story please visit the KCC News Pages.
08.09.09 | Kier Group acquires stake in Kent's Building Schools for the Future programme
Kier Group plc is now a key player in the Kent Local Education Partnership (KLEP1), which was established in 2008 to deliver educational transformation in Gravesham, Thanet and Swale. Kier will now join KLEP1, as well as being a joint-owner alongside Kent County Council, Building Schools for the Future Investments and the technology provider, Northgate Managed Services.
Leader of Kent County Council, Paul Carter, said:
"Kier has a well-established reputation for their work in the education sector and their progress in Kent's current rebuilding programme is impressive. Their management of the programme will provide a well-timed boost to the local economy and construction industry. At a time of increased unemployment, we are equally pleased that Kier is committed to employing 70 percent of its workforce from Kent.
"The new schools will give our young people first class facilities that will transform education so it is fit for the 21st century."
Kier Director and General Manager, Mervyn Greer, said:
"Assuming the lead role in the partnership clearly demonstrates Kier's commitment to providing construction and support services to the education sector and the unique capabilities of the Group to invest in the long term development of the school infrastructure in Kent.
"Kent's ambition to transform the educational experience of pupils and increase educational opportunities for all has led to the county setting exceptionally high standards for the new and remodelled schools, and we are confident that by working in close partnership with KCC and the school community the new schools will be an inspiration for generations to come."
03.07.09 | Ifield School’s Innovative new design wins major award
Ifield School, Gravesend, was awarded a prestigious national award for its new buildings - the first to be built in Kent as part of the Building Schools for the Future programme.
The £7million scheme won the Best Refurbished School in England prize at the British Council School Environment awards.
Ifield School provides accommodation for 138 students with profound, severe and complex needs and - following the refurbishment and new build - provides a bright and modern environment. It was designed by Haverstock Associates and built by Barwick Construction.
Paul Carter, the Leader of Kent County Council, said:
"I have followed the fortunes of Ifield School for many years and I am thrilled that the investment and transformation of the school has been recognised at a national level. The new buildings are stunning and make such a difference to the lives of the young people."
Headteacher of Ifield School, Pam Jones, said:
"We are absolutely delighted to have received this prestigious national award. Our pupils, families, staff and governors deserve the very best learning environment and are privileged to have a superb school fit for education in the 21st century."
Chair of the Governing Body, Peter Read, said:
"This is a major achievement for the school, which put so much of its vision in the new design and the architects Haverstock who converted this vision into reality as well as all at KCC who have given unstinting support to the project."
The school also received a mention at the 2009 Civic Trust Awards.
20-24.03.09 | Kent BSF Exhibition celebrates start of construction
Over 250 people, including over 120 pupils from 10 schools, attended the Kent BSF exhibition to celebrate the start of construction on Kent's wave 3 project and launch the Kent Local Education Partnership 1 (KLEP1) established to deliver the project.
The exhibition featured: plans and visualisations of the first 10 schools to begin construction; interactive ICT displays from Northgate Managed Services, the Partnerships ICT provider; samples of innovative furniture being trialed in some of the new schools and partnership contractor displays.
For video footage of the event, please open the following link: Kent BSF (Gleeds TV)
27.11.08 | The South Maidstone Federation Academies win Best BSF Academy delivered in Partnership at the Excellence in BSF Awards 2008
Plans for the South Maidstone Academies Federation (New Line Learning Academy & The Cornwallis Academy) won the Best BSF Academy category at the Excellence in BSF Awards 2008.
The category focused on excellence in partnership working, taking account of the project's education vision, stakeholder involvement, design and value for money.
Deputy Executive Principal, Gigi Luscombe, who attended the ceremony said: “We are absolutely delighted to have won this award and to be recognised nationally for our outstanding partnership working.
“This award is a real testament to our staff who have worked incredibly hard with parents, students and governors to provide the best educational opportunities and facilities possible, securing a brighter future for our pupils.”
The awards have been established to celebrate the achievement of all areas of the national BSF programme. Kent's BSF and Academies Programme has been nominated in two categories.
- 07.10.10 | KLEP1 receives national award for new St. John's
- 29.10.10 | Bishop of Dover opens the new St George's CoE Foundation School
- 15.09.10 | St. John’s Catholic Comprehensive School celebrates new school
- 24.08.10 | New Isle of Sheppey Academy Designs unveiled
- 06.08.10 | Funding approved for Sheppey Academy and Skinners’ Kent Academy
- 06.07.10 | Leader of KCC Paul Carter responds to stopping of the BSF programme
- 08.09.09 | Kier Group acquires stake in Kent's BSF programme
- 03.07.09 | Ifield School’s Innovative new design wins major award
- 20.03.09 | Kent BSF Exhibition celebrates start of construction
- 27.11.08 | South Maidstone Federation Academies win Best BSF Academy
07.10.10 | KLEP1 receives national award for new St John's Catholic
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| Chris McCrave, Commercial Manager |
The stunning £25 million development of St John's Catholic Comprehensive School, Gravesend, has received more praise after being named the Public Sector Project of the Year in the 2010 Builder & Engineer Awards on 7 October 2010.
The new school, which was built as part of the previous Government's Building Schools for the Future programme, has been designed to help transform the way students learn. A key part to the design is open plan rooms and a new ethos where students take more responsibility for their own learning. The iconic building features a cathedral-like "heart" space and first floor art loft with floor to ceiling windows.
The Public Sector Project of the Year award was given in recognition of the quality of the new build, the overall design, its focus on reducing the school’s environmental impact and its positive role in raising community aspirations. It was received by the Kent Local Education Partnership 1, the joint venture company established in 2008 to transform education in Gravesham and Thanet. The partnership consists of KCC, Kier Group Plc, Northgate Managed Services & BSF Investments.
KCC Cabinet Member for CFE Sarah Hohler said:
“Both the school and the partnership can be proud of this national achievement. The project was the result of careful planning, and the commitment and dedication of everyone involved can be clearly seen in these remarkable new facilities.”
General Manager of the Kent Local Education Partnership 1 Tony Franklin said:
“It is always a pleasure to see a new project reach completion, but even more so when the end results receive national recognition. Everyone involved – from the supply chain to the lead contractor Kier, RyderHKS Architects, Northgate Managed Services, the Kent County Council BSF Project Team and the school community – worked tirelessly to ensure that the new facilities matched the school’s vision for 21st century learning. This award is something we can all take pride in.”
For more images of the new school, please visit the St. John's Catholic Comprehensive School Gallery page.
29.10.10 | Bishop of Dover opens the new St George's
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| The Right Reverend Trevor Willmott |
The school boasts vibrant new buildings and refurbished facilities, including a large open plan “heart” space with specialist teaching areas, new science laboratories, a theatre, open plan art studio, and a four court sports hall and gymnasium.
All areas of the school are fully equipped to take advantage of the latest technology.
The school has also been transformed outside, with new play areas, grassed pitches and secure cycle storage to encourage students to adopt healthier lifestyles.
The entire project was also developed with sustainable methods of construction and materials to make sure that the school is as energy efficient as possible (see Notes to Editor).
Principal Kim Stoner said:
“At St George’s we are so fortunate that part of our dream has become a reality. We have a fabulous new building which has been designed to raise aspirations and inspire future generations of young people.
“We have so many people to thank for their hard work, commitment and dedication to this Building Schools for the Future project, not least of all Kent County Council, Kier and every governor and member of staff who shared the vision and joined us on our journey to ensure success.”
The Right Reverend Trevor Willmott said:
“It was a joy to be invited to share in the celebrations and opening of St George’s Church of England Foundation School. The opening of the new school is important not only for those who currently and will in the future benefit from the new facilities, but also for the wider community. It marks another sign of our shared intention to bring new life, energy and purpose to the communities of Thanet.”
KCC Cabinet Member for CFE Sarah Hohler said:
“The new school will inspire students and teachers for generations to come. There are modern facilities with a strong, traditional family ethos which will challenge and develop young people academically and socially. As a specialist business and enterprise school, the education today will, I hope, inspire the entrepreneurs of tomorrow.”
To view photographs of the new facilities, please visit the St. George's CoE Foundation School Gallery page.
15.09.10 | St. John’s Catholic Comprehensive School celebrates new school buildings
The new £25 million building for St John's Catholic Comprehensive School in Gravesend was officially opened by Peter Smith, the Archbishop of Southwark, on 15 September 2009.
He was joined by Sarah Hohler, Kent County Council Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education, Councillor Bill Lambert, Mayor of Gravesham and Sir Steve Redgrave, five times Olympic gold medallist.
The ceremony was conducted in front of more than a thousand students and staff.
The stunning school, which was built as part of previous Government's Building Schools for the Future Programme, has been designed to help transform the way students learn. A key part to the design is open plan rooms and a new ethos where students take more responsibility for their own learning. The iconic building features a Cathedral-like "heart" space and first floor art loft with floor to ceiling windows.
To read more on this story please visit the KCC News Pages.
24.08.10 | New Isle of Sheppey Academy Designs unveiled
The latest plans for the future Isle of Sheppey Academy were unveiled at the recent consultation evenings on 13-14 September 2010. Local residents, parents and pupils were invited to comment on the proposals, with members of the construction and design team on hand to answer any questions.
KCC Cabinet Member for CFE Sarah Hohler said:
“We have been working hard to improve the provision of education on Sheppey for some years. We are particularly pleased that, as co-sponsor of the new academy, the Coalition Government has listened to the priority we have given to this project and has given the go-ahead for the work to continue.
“This is a huge opportunity for the island and we want to involve the whole community in the new academy. We hope families of current and future students will have their say as we develop two iconic buildings to provide 21st century education.”
To view more visualisations of the academy, please visit the Isle of Sheppey Academy Gallery page.
06.08.10 | Michael Gove, Education Secretary, approves funding for Isle of Sheppey Academy and Skinners’ Kent Academy, and reviews funding for a further six academies
KCC Cabinet Member for CFE Sarah Hohler said:
“I am pleased that the funding has been confirmed for the Isle of Sheppey Academy and Skinners Kent Academy. The new buildings and facilities will now go ahead as originally planned. This is a momentous decision for these two academies and the investment will transform education for generations to come.
“We are hopeful that along with the rest of Kent’s school building investment needs, the other six academies will be looked upon favourably as part of the government spending review. We will continue to work alongside the sponsors of those academies to make a compelling case for the capital investment.
“The Department for Education has indicated that costs for the remaining academies needs to be reduced. We have a proven track record in Kent for providing value for money and will offer that expertise to the sponsors, as required, with a view to securing the right facilities for students in Kent.”
The six academies which will be notified after the spending review are:
- Dover Christ Church Academy (Archers Court Maths & Computing College)
- St Augustine Academy (The Astor of Hever Community School)
- The Duke of York’s Royal Military School
- The John Wallis Church of England Academy
(Ashford Christ Church CE Maths & Computing College) - The Knole Academy (The Bradbourne & The Wildernesse School)
- Wilmington Enterprise College
06.07.10 | Education Secretary, Michael Gove, announces closure of BSF Programme
Following Michael Gove’s announcement about the closure of the Building Schools for the Future Programme, the Leader of KCC Paul Carter said:
"I have been surprised and disappointed by the scale of the announcement, which brings to an end the Building Schools for the Future programme for 40 secondary schools and means significant uncertainty for eight new academies. I am enormously disappointed for these schools, teachers, pupils and parents which will not see new schools built.”
Kent had the largest Building Schools for the Future programme in the country and had been at the forefront of building new academies. The announcement will come as an enormous shock to the 48 secondary schools (40 secondary schools and eight academies), including pupil referral units and special schools, in the county that would have benefited from being substantially rebuilt or refurbished.
To date, 11 secondary schools have been, or are in the process of being, rebuilt and seven new academies have been completed or are underway.
To read more on this story please visit the KCC News Pages.
08.09.09 | Kier Group acquires stake in Kent's BSF programme
Kier Group plc is now a key player in the Kent Local Education Partnership (KLEP1), which was established in 2008 to deliver educational transformation in Gravesham, Thanet and Swale. Kier will now join KLEP1, as well as being a joint-owner alongside Kent County Council, Building Schools for the Future Investments and the technology provider, Northgate Managed Services.
Leader of KCC Paul Carter said:
"Kier has a well-established reputation for their work in the education sector and their progress in Kent's current rebuilding programme is impressive. Their management of the programme will provide a well-timed boost to the local economy and construction industry. At a time of increased unemployment, we are equally pleased that Kier is committed to employing 70 percent of its workforce from Kent.
"The new schools will give our young people first class facilities that will transform education so it is fit for the 21st century."
Kier Director & General Manager Mervyn Greer said:
"Assuming the lead role in the partnership clearly demonstrates Kier's commitment to providing construction and support services to the education sector and the unique capabilities of the Group to invest in the long term development of the school infrastructure in Kent.
"Kent's ambition to transform the educational experience of pupils and increase educational opportunities for all has led to the county setting exceptionally high standards for the new and remodelled schools, and we are confident that by working in close partnership with KCC and the school community the new schools will be an inspiration for generations to come."
03.07.09 | Ifield School’s Innovative new design wins major award
Ifield School, Gravesend, was awarded a prestigious national award for its new buildings - the first to be built in Kent as part of the Building Schools for the Future programme.
The £7million scheme won the Best Refurbished School in England prize at the British Council School Environment awards.
Ifield School provides accommodation for 138 students with profound, severe and complex needs and - following the refurbishment and new build - provides a bright and modern environment. It was designed by Haverstock Associates and built by Barwick Construction.
Leader of KCC Paul Carter said:
"I have followed the fortunes of Ifield School for many years and I am thrilled that the investment and transformation of the school has been recognised at a national level. The new buildings are stunning and make such a difference to the lives of the young people."
Headteacher Pam Jones said:
"We are absolutely delighted to have received this prestigious national award. Our pupils, families, staff and governors deserve the very best learning environment and are privileged to have a superb school fit for education in the 21st century."
Chair of the Governing Body Peter Read said:
"This is a major achievement for the school, which put so much of its vision in the new design and the architects Haverstock who converted this vision into reality as well as all at KCC who have given unstinting support to the project."
The school also commended at the 2009 Civic Trust Awards and was shortlisted for the Kent Design Awards.
To view photographs of the new buildings, please visit the Ifield School Gallery page.
20-24.03.09 | Kent BSF Exhibition celebrates start of construction
Over 250 people, including over 120 pupils from 10 schools, attended the Kent BSF exhibition to celebrate the start of construction on Kent's wave 3 project and launch the Kent Local Education Partnership 1 (KLEP1) established to deliver the project.
The exhibition featured: plans and visualisations of the first 10 schools to begin construction; interactive ICT displays from Northgate Managed Services, the Partnerships ICT provider; samples of innovative furniture being trialed in some of the new schools and partnership contractor displays.
For video footage of the event, please open the following link: Kent BSF (Gleeds TV)
27.11.08 | The South Maidstone Federation Academies win Best BSF Academy delivered in Partnership at the Excellence in BSF Awards 2008
Plans for the South Maidstone Academies Federation (New Line Learning Academy & The Cornwallis Academy) won the Best BSF Academy category at the Excellence in BSF Awards 2008.
The category focused on excellence in partnership working, taking account of the project's education vision, stakeholder involvement, design and value for money.
Deputy Executive Principal, Gigi Luscombe, who attended the ceremony said: “We are absolutely delighted to have won this award and to be recognised nationally for our outstanding partnership working.
“This award is a real testament to our staff who have worked incredibly hard with parents, students and governors to provide the best educational opportunities and facilities possible, securing a brighter future for our pupils.”
The awards have been established to celebrate the achievement of all areas of the national BSF programme. Kent's BSF and Academies Programme has been nominated in two categories.
Contact: bsf@kent.gov.uk | 01622 221172