Essential investment for St Kent's

Council Executive agreed to the funding package to install temporary accommodation at the school and pay for the specialist Craft Design and Technology (CDT) equipment to be relocated to the school's Almond Suite.

The moves will allow the school to continue to safely operate while complex investigation works are ongoing. Detailed investigations by structural engineers with specialist Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) knowledge have been taking at the school since November 2022, after issues were identified with RAAC Panels. 

So far around 4,300 square metres has been surveyed in what is an extensive and complex survey procedure. 

Executive councillor for education Andrew McGuire said: "I would like to assure parents/carers of St Kent's pupils that the safety of our young people is our top priority, and any works being carried out present no risk to pupils or staff.

"It's unfortunate that the expanded scale and scope of the investigation work means more of the school will require to be closed to allow this to be safely carried out. This now covers all the areas with RAAC panels, so we do not expect any further closures of any more parts of the school.

"The £1.2 million investment agreed by Council Executive will provide additional space through temporary accommodation and relocate specialist CDT facilities to minimise the educational impact of the works.

"This has been hugely challenging for council officers, and I'd like to thank everyone who has been involved in this from our Property team, staff at St Kent's and the central Education team, as they have all worked tirelessly and pulled out all stops to deliver all this at short notice. 

"With exams now ongoing, this is the best option available to keep the school open and limit disruption to pupils."

A further update on longer-term options for St Kent's Academy will be reported to Council Executive before the summer recess.