In 2014 we undertook a masterplan for King's, a prestigious independent school for just over 800 pupils aged 13-18. Founded in 597, the school is in a magnificent setting within close proximity to Canterbury Cathedral.
The school had multiple sites and lots of ideas for academic, social and pastoral development. We first undertook a space audit, which identified priorities and 8 key moves, including to create a new day house, to modernise and co-locate science facilities, and to increase dining provision. The best location for new science was the site of a day house that had reached the end of its life, so a new day house was needed first to replace it.
A clever phasing strategy and sequencing of works allowed a lot of construction to take place during school holidays, and we also undertook ‘quick win’ small projects (such as refurbishing a common room) that make a big difference to people’s experience of the campus.
The King’s projects are on highly sensitive sites: we have dealt with listed buildings, conservation areas, asbestos, areas of archaeological importance, a Scheduled Ancient Monument (Canterbury City Wall), and a UNESCO World Heritage Site (Canterbury Cathedral). Aside from engaging with the school’s governors, parents, pupils and staff, we have also liaised successfully with Historic England, Canterbury Archaeological Trust, conservation officers, the Cathedrals Fabric Commission for England, and Canterbury Cathedral’s own Fabric Advisory Committee.
