Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
NEW SCHOOL
City secondary taking shape
Building work is progressing at a new Canterbury secondary school which remains on target to welcome its first pupils next September.
Barton Manor - built on the site of the former Chaucer Technology School - is being constructed to cater for the thousands of extra homes which will built across the district over the coming years.
A new computer-generated image showcasing how the finished product will look has this week been revealed.
It shows a modern design created by award-winning firm Noviun Architects - with the initials BCAT, standing for Barton Court Academy Trust, emblazoned on the building. Rather than being a grammar school like Barton Court less than half a mile away, the new establishment will be a free comprehensive.
The demolition of the former Chaucer site, which closed in 2015, began last year and building work on the new school has since progressed rapidly. The large build stands three storeys high, and will boast facilities for catering, textiles, hair, beauty and therapy, 3D design, digital technologies, business and finance, IT and health and social care.
Upon its launch next autumn, 150 places will be available to Year 7 pupils. A new year will then be welcomed each following September.
When at capacity, Barton Manor - with its five-year non-selective and sixth form - will cater for 1,050 pupils aged 11 to 18. A consultation has now opened online, allowing parents and the wider community to ask questions on the project and share their thoughts. A virtual meeting will then be held next Tuesday at 6pm, with the questions being answered. Kirstin Cardus, executive head teacher of the academy trust and the head teacher for the new school, said: “We welcome feedback from all stakeholders to help us shape our new school to meet the needs of the local community we will serve. “We are delighted to offer such a fantastic new school to the local community and we look forward to welcoming our first cohort of students and their families in September 2022. “We look forward to engaging with and equipping local residents, leaders and groups to invest in the lives of children and families, and by doing so ensure that Barton Manor School remains at the heart of the community.” Anyone who has queries about the new school can send them via email to consultation@bartonmanor.org. Tuesday’s virtual update meeting can be accessed via bartonmanor.org/consultation-event.