Schools open new buildings… all by royal command
ajsmith@thekmgroup.co.uk Invicta Grammar and Valley Park schools have been entertaining a royal visitor.
Prince Richard, the Duke of Gloucester, opened two new buildings for the Valley Invicta Academies Trust schools in Huntsman Lane, Maidstone.
A cousin to the Queen, he is a qualified architect.
Both schools have expanding student numbers and the trust made a successful bid to the Academies Capital Maintenance Fund and was awarded almost £5 million back in the autumn of 2012.
Work began in February last year and the Izatt Building was handed over to Invicta Grammar School in April.
It contains 11 new teaching spaces, including a dance studio and reading room.
The Taylor building at Valley Park was completed in June and contains 18 new learning areas, plus a library and sixth-form centre.
The buildings are named after long-serving members of the trust board and governing body.
David Izatt, from Loose, became a parent governor at Invicta 26 years ago as both his daughters went to the school.
His granddaughter is now a pupil there and Mr Izatt is chairman of the finance and premises committee.
Judi Taylor has been involved with the schools since 1996. She has progressed from governor at Invicta to chairman of the Valley Invicta Academies Trust Board.
She is a director and trustee and also has a grandchild at Invicta.
The duke spent the morning talking to staff and students before unveiling two plaques.
Invicta head teacher Julie Derrick said: “It was a wonderful opportunity to show the prince our lovely buildings.
“They are fantastic new facilities that are light, airy and spacious and motivating for our students and staff.
“There is no doubt that the environment impacts on the quality of learning.”