03.06.11 | 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 proposal to rebuild or refurbish 15 Kent secondary schools have been resubmitted to government.

Work at the schools in Gravesham and Thanet was halted last July when the government stopped the Building Schools for the Future programme.

Following a successful judicial review, Kent County Council was invited to make a case for the schools that were next in line to receive funding, and where a considerable amount of planning and preparation had already been carried out.

In recent weeks, a detailed submission has been prepared and this was delivered to the Department for Education for the Secretary of State to consider. A response is expected in the summer.

Paul Carter, Leader of Kent County Council, said:

“I am confident that Michael Gove is revisiting his decision in a fair and thorough way."

“We agree with him that the Building Schools for the Future programme was bureaucratic and costly and have suggested ways of delivering first class schools far more efficiently. Indeed, our calculations will deliver greater efficiencies than those flagged up in the recent James Review. Let’s prove what can be delivered for much less public money.

“We have been able to demonstrate this in our response and highlight our excellent track record of delivering innovative projects, on time and on budget.

“So many schools and young people were left disappointed by the original decision last July. Let’s hope our new submission and the potential of providing 21st century schools at much-reduced costs will see the green light for these projects.”

Isle of Sheppey Academy

The Isle of Sheppey Academy sponsors, Dulwich College and the Diocese of Canterbury, along with Kent County Council have secured government approval for £54million which will see two state-of-the-art buildings developed on the east and west of the island.

The facilities at the academy, which specialises in business, enterprise and sport, will be among the best in the world. They will include a media suite, drama and dance facilities, performance hall, sports hall and outdoor sporting facilities, as well as a vocational centre.

Construction work on both sites in Sheppey is due to start in May.

The academy’s Chairman of Governors, Baroness Floella Benjamin, said:

“This is fantastic news for the young people of Sheppey and will help us as we seek to transform education for generations to come.”

Chairman of Governors for Dulwich College, Lord Turnbull, added:

“This has been a long process and represents an excellent outcome following a number of years of hard work by all those involved in this project.”

Spires Academy

Kent County Council has also entered into contracts for the Spires Academy near Canterbury.  Government approval was secured by academy sponsors Crown Products Limited, Holiday Extras (both local companies) and Kent County Council for a £14million investment, which will see the development of an ultra-modern academy with first class facilities for the arts, business and sport, built around a central hub.

The hub will offer the academy a stunning, purpose-built space in which to showcase its specialism of visual creative and performing arts, as well as supporting its expertise in business and enterprise. The academy’s leisure facilities will include a sports hall, five large pitches, a running track and a multi-use games area.

The Governor of the Bank of England, Mervyn King, turned the first turf on 26 March to mark the start of work.

Spires Academy leader, Helen Foster, said:

“This is an exciting time for the Spires Academy and local community as we enter the next stage of our transformation. Our goal has always been to offer the highest quality education, care and teaching to motivate students to learn and enhance their life chances. Our new facilities will enable us to fully achieve this in a fantastic, tailored setting.”

Cause for celebration

Leader of Kent County Council, Paul Carter, said:

“I am delighted that Kent has secured £68million of government funding for these two academies. This is a real investment in the future of young people in Canterbury and Sheppey for generations to come.

“For Sheppey in particular this is a momentous occasion. So many people have championed this project, putting their heart and soul into improving secondary school facilities on the island. You cannot underestimate the difference this will make to so many lives.”

The Spires Academy is due to open in its new buildings in September 2012 and Isle of Sheppey Academy in February 2013.

The apprentices will be attending the college one day per week to study for their NVQ Level 3 IT systems and support.  As part of the Northgate’s ‘earn as you learn’ apprenticeship, this will be combined with hands-on training, with each Apprentice working as a trainee IT engineer in some of the schools in Kent that Northgate currently provides services to.

As with every Northgate employee, each apprentice is given their own personal development plan with a mixture of online and classroom training which develops core skills and competencies such as communication, time management, customer service, problem solving and many more.

Each apprentice is allocated a mentor and ‘buddy’ to support and advise them throughout the programme. On completion of the scheme, successful apprentices will hold a formal NVQ qualification, possess 18 months of work-experience and the potential for them to move into permanent positions in Northgate.

Northgate’s Apprenticeship Scheme marks an important extension to its two-year partnership with Hugh Christie, which has seen the school maximise its ICT efficiency and offer students the best education using technology. Helping to convert young people’s enthusiasm for technology into a profession they can excel in Hugh Christie, as the chosen training provider, is helping to train the area’s next generation of IT talent as part of the 18-month programme.

Apprenticeships are still available in the Kent area. To apply, candidates must hold a GCSE in Maths and English and most importantly have an interest and passion for ICT. For more information or to apply, please visit www.northgate-is.com/managedservices or email info@northgate-is.com

Andy Ross, Chief Executive of Northgate Managed Services, commented:

“As a successful and growing IT services company we are committed to working with young people in the communities where we are based. By offering an IT Apprenticeship Scheme to school leavers, we are developing a qualified and talented workforce that will help us grow our business and provide Kent with an influx of new IT talent. Hugh Christie is an exemplar school at the forefront of educational technology to drive teaching and learning. We are proud to be working with such an inspirational team of people to help deliver vital on-the-job training as part of our new apprenticeship scheme.”

Jon Barker, Principal of Hugh Christie Technology College, commented:

“We are delighted to be involved with the IT apprenticeship scheme.  Our partnership with Northgate has been a great success and has facilitated the continuing development of technology at the school. The apprenticeship scheme is an exciting further extension of this partnership. Together with Northgate, we will provide outstanding training for the apprentices which will enable them to develop a career in an important area. I hope that some will enjoy their return to school so much that they may consider the valuable role of supporting IT within the school environment in the future.”

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

“Kent has championed apprenticeships for a number of years and the delivery of apprenticeships was an integral part of our plans to transform education through the establishment of the Kent Local Education Partnership 1. Northgate Managed Services’ scheme offers young people a fantastic opportunity to gain practical skills and work experience whilst working towards a nationally-recognised qualification. These modern apprenticeships are exactly the type of initiative we need to deliver to ensure that students are equipped to meet the needs of a 21st Century workforce.”

The Kent-based apprenticeships will be based in the following schools:

• [The] Community College Whitstable;
• Dane Court Grammar School, Broadstairs;
• Ifield School, Gravesend;
• Northfleet School for Girls, Gravesend;
• Northfleet Technology College, Gravesend;
• St John’s Catholic Comprehensive School, Gravesend;
• St Georges Church of England Foundation School, Broadstairs; and
• Thamesview School, Gravesend

¹ Northgate Managed Services are the ICT provider of Kent’s Local Education Partnership 1, a public-private partnership established in 2008 to transform education Gravesham, Thanet and Swale. The partnership comprises KCC, Kier company plc, Northgate Managed Services and BSF Investments.]

Northgate Managed Services provides a wide range of IT services to private sector, public sector and third sector organisations across the UK.  The company supports over 2,000 customers with 420,000 end-users responding to over 100,000 service desk calls annually.

The event was organised to provide an informal opportunity for local residents and the Academy community to view, comment and ask any questions in advance of the formal Planning Application which will be submitted later this month. Representatives from Willmott Dixon (the preferred bidder), Studio E Architects, Kent County Council and The Skinners' Kent Academy Senior Management Team, alongside other specialists, were on hand to discuss specific aspects of the proposals in detail.

The £20million project, which is due to be completed in November 2012, was described by one resident as a "motivation and inspiration to learners" and by another as "bringing new life" to the town. 

A smaller version of the display will remain at The Skinners' Kent Academy for the next two weeks. Copies of the display boards on show are available for download below:

Please note that to ensure that the boards retain a necessary level of detail the files below are large and may take a short while to download.

Display Boards:

• 00: The Skinners' Kent Academy Vision Board
• 01: Current Site Photographs
• 02: Masterplan: Site 1
• 03: Site Plan: Sites 1, 2 & 3
• 04: Elevations: North Elevation &  South East Elevation
• 05: Elevations: South Elevation & West Elevation
• 06: Floor Plans: Ground Floor & First Floor
• 07: Floor Plans: Second Floor & Third Floor
• 08: Visualisations 1
  - View across Learning Resource Centre from main entrance
  - Write up areas and atrium to Specialist Zone
  - Main entrance
  - Aerial view from South East
• 09: Visualisations 2
  - View from north west
  - Senior House breakout area
  - Da Vinci space to Junior House
  - Dining and Auditorium
• 10: Construction Phasing
• 11: Community Access plan
• 12: Project Timescales

Additional Display Boards:

• 13: External Lighting Layout
• 14: External Lighting: Sports Pitch Layout
• 15: School Bus: Swept Path Analayis (Added: 17.01.11)
• 16: Concrete Tipper: Swept Path Analysis (Added: 17.01.11)
• 17: 4-Axle Tipper: Swept Path Analysis (Added: 17.01.11)

For more information about The Skinners' Kent Academy, please visit their website.

For more information about the selection of Willmott Dixon as Preferred Bidder, please visit our news page.

04.11.10 |  Willmott Dixon selected as Preferred Bidder for The Skinners' Kent Academy  

Kent County Council has announced that Willmott Dixon has been selected as its preferred bidder for the £21 million development of The Skinners’ Kent Academy, Tunbridge Wells. The proposals will see the academy rebuilt with state-of-the-art buildings and ICT facilities. Willmott Dixon was one of 12 firms bidding for the contract through Partnerships for Schools’ (PfS) national Contractors’ Framework. PfS is the government's delivery agent for capital investment programmes into schools.

Construction is expected to begin early 2011 and complete late 2012. Parents and residents will have an opportunity to view and comment on the plans at a public exhibition to be held at Skinners’ Kent Academy on 17 November 2010.

Leader of Kent County Council Paul Carter said:

“This is very welcome news for The Skinners’ Kent Academy and the local community. Willmott Dixon has a well-established reputation in the education sector and we have every confidence that their proposals not only match, but exceed the school’s vision to transform education for pupils in Tunbridge Wells.

The news also represents a timely boost for the Kent economy, particularly with Willmott Dixon’s commitment to use local suppliers where possible, source 75% of the workforce locally and provide local skills training and apprenticeship opportunities.”

Principal Sian Carr said:
 
“This is exceptionally good news for the whole community of The Skinners’ Kent Academy. Since opening as an academy in September 2009, we have already made substantial progress in raising attainment levels - including an 88% improvement in GCSE results in 5 subjects including English & Maths - and this has been achieved in buildings that challenged rather than supported teaching and learning.

The new facilities will enable the Academy to provide the highest quality 21st century education for its pupils and raise aspirations in the local community to provide educational, social and economic benefits for all."

Jonathan Payne, Deputy Managing Director, Willmott Dixon Construction (Dartford) said:

“We are extremely delighted to have been selected as the preferred bidder for The Skinners’ Kent Academy. Both KCC and the Academy have set some very challenging targets and we have the commitment and dedication to ensure that the new buildings will be a source of pride for both The Skinners’ Kent Academy and the community of Tunbridge Wells.”

07.10.10 |  KLEP1 receives national award for new St John's Catholic

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.

29.09.10 | Bishop of Dover opens the new St George's

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.

All areas of the school are fully equipped to take advantage of the latest technology. 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.

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.

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14.09.10 | 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.

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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
  

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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.

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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."

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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.

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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'