Skinners' Kent Academy’s multi-million pound rebuild will begin later this month.

The construction work got the green light after a deal was signed by Willmott Dixon Construction Ltd., Kent County Council and the Academy on Friday, 15 July 2011.

The £20million state-of-the-art building, which will feature the latest computer technology, is expected to be completed in early 2013.

The designers have pulled out all the stops to make sure students have the perfect place to learn, including:

• facilities for the academy’s science and engineering specialism;
• a lecture theatre and gallery;
• the redevelopment of the academy’s 29 acres of grounds to include outdoor learning areas, performance spaces, excellent sport facilities and nature trails; and
• community access to facilities where people can come together for learning, social events, celebrations, sport and meetings. 

Principal of Skinners’ Kent Academy Sian Carr said:

“Everyone at the academy is extremely excited about the news. All those involved in the project have committed themselves wholeheartedly to its goals and deserve immense credit for their hard-work and dedication, including Academy staff, Governors, Willmott Dixon and our sponsors The Skinners’ Company, K College and KCC. This is the start of a brand new future for the Academy.”

KCC Cabinet Member for Education, Learning & Skills Sarah Hohler said:

“This is excellent news for the academy and Tunbridge Wells. The new facilities will offer unrivalled educational opportunities for students and support innovative teaching and learning. It will also provide excellent community facilities for learning, leisure and social activities, as well as provide a welcome boost to the local construction industry."

Managing Director for Willmott Dixon Construction Ltd Mark Tant said:

"Reaching financial close on the project is a major milestone and we are pleased that construction can now begin. It is an ambitious project and we are fully committed to ensuring that the new facilities will be a source of pride and an inspirational place for learning.”

03 June 2011: Kent Schools shortlisted for national award

Four new Kent schools have been shortlisted for the fourth annual British Council for School Environments (BCSE) Awards 2011 in the Excellence in Design For Teaching & Learning categories.

Judges will assess each scheme with regard to:

• How the new school has enhanced the teaching and learning environment for users;
• How they have involved either teachers or students or community in the design and delivery of the new school; and
• Innovative approaches to design, deliver and operation in the new spaces

The shortlisted schools are:

• Northfleet Technology College, Gravesend
• New Line Learning Academy, Maidstone  
• The Community College, Whitstable
• St. George’s CoE Foundation School, Broadstairs
  

Northfleet Technology College, The Community College, Whitstable and St George’s CoE Foundation School, were all delivered by the Kent Local Education Partnership 1, a public-private partnership consisting of Kent County Council, Kier, Northgate Managed Services and BSF Investments. The projects were all funded through the previous Government’s Building Schools for the Future Programme.

New Line Learning Academy was delivered by Carillion PLC, and funded through the Academies Framework.

The award winners will be announced at the BCSE Best of British Schools Awards 2011 in London on 22 June 2011.

The Kent Building Schools for the Future & Academies Programme was established in 2006. Far from being just another school building programme, it provided Kent with the opportunity to combine significant capital investment in state-of-the-art buildings and ICT facilities with a bold educational vision to transform teaching and learning and locate schools at the heart of their community.

National Awards and Recognition

Northfleet Technology College, Gravesend, The Community College, Whitstable, St. George’s CoE Foundation School, Broadstairs  and New Line Learning Academy, Maidstone

Shortlisted for the Excellence in Design for Teaching and Learning categories
(British Council for School Environments Awards 2011)

St. John's Catholic Comprehensive School, Gravesend

Awarded Public Sector Project of the Year
(Builder & Engineer Awards 2010)

Ifield School, Gravesend

Awarded Best Refurbished School in England prize
(2009 British Council School Environment Awards)

New Line Learning Academy, Maidstone

Awarded Best BSF Academy
(2008 Excellence in BSF Awards)

The Community College, Whitstable

Shortlisted for Best Remodelled School category
(2008 Excellence in BSF Awards)

Kent’s Local Education Partnership (KLEP1)

Awarded National Skills Academy for Construction (NSAfC) status (September 2008)

Contact: bsf@kent.gov.uk | 01622 221172