The £20million redevelopment of the Skinners' Kent Academy, Tunbridge Wells, took a major step forward following approval of the Kent County Council planning application at the Planning Applications Committee on 15 March 2011.

The Academy will now be rebuilt with state-of-the-art buildings, and feature unrivalled facilities fully equipped to take advantage of the latest Information and communication technologies. The building will have the Academy’s core specialisms of science and engineering at its heart, whilst meeting the wider aspiration to provide a variety of multi-functional learning spaces.

Kent County Council (KCC), the Academy and Willmott Dixon Construction, the preferred bidder for the scheme, will now submit a Financial Business Case for approval by Partnerships for Schools with a view to starting construction in April 2011. The Academy is expected to move into the new facilities in late 2012.

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

“This is excellent news for both the Academy and the wider community of Tunbridge Wells. These new facilities are designed to match the Academy’s vision to offer a truly 21st Century education to inspire and engage pupils and connect the local community with educational opportunities. The development will also deliver employment opportunities for the local community and support local regeneration.”

Principal Sian Carr said:

“This is a major milestone for the whole Academy community and has given everyone a sense of excitement and anticipation. Since opening as the Skinner's Kent Academy, we have already taken great strides to improve attainment and inspire pupils to meet their potential. With these new facilities we will continue our transformation and goal to become the community school of choice for generations of pupils to come.”