New Academic Hub for St Edmund’s School Canterbury
07 Jun 2018
St Edmund’s School Canterbury new Academic Hub officially opened Wednesday this week, heralding an exciting new phase in the school’s future.
Opened by former Chair of Governors, Michael Terry, in the presence of the Lord Mayor of Canterbury, pupils, staff and friends of St Edmund’s, the £2 million building is the first of two phases of development. Alongside wide refurbishment of existing facilities across the school’s estate, this independent school is improving its already inspirational learning space for pupils.
St Edmund’s School Canterbury is the largest it has been since it was founded in 1749, with pupils from across the world and the local area, attending as boarders or day pupils. The school aims for its pupils to achieve the very highest standards they can, and the Academic Hub is demonstration of the school’s investment in its pupils, their academic careers and their futures.
The Academic Hub, designed by award-winning architects Hazle McCormack Young and built by BBS Construction, is sympathetic to the beauty of the school’s central Grade II listed building, marrying tradition and modernity. Phase 1 of the hub holds seven light and spacious new classrooms, some with views of the school’s beautiful grounds and the historical city of Canterbury.
Former Chair of Governors, Michael Terry FCA, opened the Hub in the presence of the Lord Mayor, Cllr Mrs Rosemary Doyle and Lady Mayoress Mrs Jenny Yonge, teachers, pupils, parents and friends of the school. Mr Terry said it was his privilege and pleasure to be part of the team supporting the school’s progress.
Head of St Edmund’s, Louise Moelwyn-Hughes, said “We want our pupils to be the best they can be and a wonderful learning environment supports them achieving that. Our investment in the school is a direct investment in our remarkable pupils and their futures. Our pupils and staff deserve these fantastic facilities which sit perfectly with St Edmund’s first class education.”
Phase 2 of the Academic Hub will include the construction of 15 additional classrooms around a central courtyard, and additional disability provisions, including a lift to serve the Hub’s upper floors.
As well as the construction of the Academic Hub, St Edmund’s has a programme of refurbishment for its facilities. After a tour of the Hub, guests joined Mrs Moelwyn-Hughes for the official opening of the school’s theatre. Chic and stylish, from its lobby to its comfortable tiered seating, the 400- seat auditorium is a space that truly befits the excellent drama and music productions that the school is renowned for.
The theatre refurbishment was made possible by a generous gift from a former pupil, now friend, of the school, and their family. St Edmund’s music and drama facilities and achievements are some of the very best in the country, and the theatre is central to the provision of performing arts teaching.
Chris Nickols, Chair of Governors, described the event as an exciting day for St Edmund’s and its pupils, both current and future. “Today is the first of a number of significant dates in the school’s history. It represents the beginning of our ambitions; a project of development that demonstrates our commitment and confidence of St Edmund’s as a school. “
Mr Nickols spoke of Soaring Beyond, the school’s campaign to raise funds to meet additional development ambitions, where online donations can be made at http://soaringbeyond.co.uk/.
Mr Nickols concluded by thanking everyone for supporting St Edmund’s pupils to achieve their very best.