Recent Developments

Kent College is committed to a continuous programme of development. Improvements both in recent years and the forthcoming year include the following:

2010:

The refurbishment and re-decoration of Junior boarders' bedrooms in Hawkwell and Hargreaves.
The re-decoration of the dining room.
New Admissions office in the Senior School with a comfortable meeting area for prospective parents and girls.
New outdoor play area and outdoor play equipment for the Early Years and Prep School.

The development of the science block was completed in summer 2008. This provides 2 additional full-size laboratories, plus a bigger fully equipped 6th form laboratory, together with improved staff facilities and a new entrance foyer. Part of the existing building will also be refurbished.
There is increased provision for outdoor education including a ‘Confidence Trail’, together with further planning for the all-weather pitch.
The development of the Preparatory School hall upgrade to be reviewed.

Wireless internet access has been installed in 6th form centre for use with any laptop.
The refurbishment of the senior boarding houses, providing refitted and improved study bedrooms and bathroom facilities. New furniture and furnishings give a contemporary feel and each bedroom provides Internet links.
Complete refurbishment of modern language teaching rooms.
Drama studio refurbished.
The refurbishment and re-organisation of the school entrance hall. As well as providing a modern environment, the development has allowed for significant improvements to the security of the building to be implemented.
Four classrooms have had a major refurbishment. As a result, the majority of our teaching rooms are equipped with state-of-the-art smartboards and audio-visual equipment. This enhances our teaching methods and girls' individual academic achievements.
Two new ICT suites were fitted with brand new computers and the latest software packages. These provide even more facilities for students to access their work as well as being an additional aid to teaching.
Planning permission for a new school hall at the Prep School was approved. This is in conjunction with the additional internal restructuring of the Prep School building.
Improvements to the Design and Technology department - new equipment. The boarding element of the school was inspected by the CSCI (Commission for Social Care Inspection) from which we received a very positive report.

Developments to ICT include new smartboards and audio-visual equipment, a student portal to access files and emails from anywhere in the world, broadband internet speed increased to 8x faster, the latest Microsoft software installed throughout the school, and new PCs and software added.
A new Apple Mac computer suite which comprises 11 Macs, music keyboards and software for Music and Media Studies students.
11+ Art and Sport Scholarships introduced.

An inspection by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) resulted in a successful report.
Four new en-suite bedrooms in the senior boarding houses.
Developments to ICT, including a new ICT suite with networked wireless laptops, many PCs replaced with flat screen PCs, world leading filter software installed, as well as new interactive smartboards, computer projectors, digital cameras, video cameras and DVD players.
Improved lesson allocation in several years, particularly for GCSE, AS & A level. Latin added to the curriculum for Years 7 & 8.

Broadband internet access installed throughout the school.
Food technology, textiles and ICT were introduced at AS/A level.
A multi-media laboratory installed. Used mainly for languages, this provided 22 PC-based workstations and interactive teaching in an air-conditioned classroom.
The school was awarded membership to the National Association of Gifted Children and a number of KC students were also registered with the National Association of Gifted & Talented Youth.
Further refurbishments in all boarding houses.

A £1.2million state-of-the-art theatre was constructed. This was officially opened by Their Royal Highnesses The Earl & Countess of Wessex. Known as the Judi Dench Theatre, it provides a modern flexible performance space for traditional theatre and 'theatre in the round'. Tiered seating for up to 360 people and computerised lighting and sound equipment is managed from a control room.
National Sportsmark Award was gained in recognition of the school's commitment to sport.
PE introduced at GCSE and A level.
Installation of additional equipment around the school, including a new ICT suite in the library resource centre.
Extensive refurbishment and modernisation of Hawkwell Boarding House.
The general science laboratory refurbished, as well as an interactive smartboard and computer projector installed.
13+ and 16+ Art and Sport Scholarships introduced.

Extension and refurbishment of the school dining hall.
New art studio.
Learning development department established to co-ordinate individual learning programmes for high-achieving students and those who require additional support. The centre has also extended the provision of learning skills courses (accelerated learning) which had been previously trialled.
Additional computers added to the campus network.

Refurbishment and extension of the Sixth Form Study Centre. This provides study rooms, a large comfortable common room with kitchen, and computer room with networked ICT facilities.
Developments to ICT, included a new ICT teaching suite as well as networked ICT facilities added to senior boarding houses.