School of Science & Technology

Maidstone, Kent

Project Details

Client
Valley Invicta Academies Trust

Project Manager
Arcadis

Architect
KSS

Contractor
BAM Construction

Value
£25.54 million

Contract Period
93 weeks

Procurement Type
Design & Build

Form of Contract
JCT 2017

Apprentices
12

Project Summary

 BAM has built a new secondary school for pupils aged between 11 and 18, with an annual intake of 180 pupils. The school will help Kent County Council to meet the predicted shortfall in secondary places in the Maidstone area. 

 The curriculum offers world-class teaching and learning with a focus on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM subjects). The school’s industry partners include Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust, and international educational partner, the School of Science and Technology in Singapore.

1234567891011

“We have worked tirelessly and in good faith throughout the process to develop a school that will provide genuine excitement to those parents in our community.”

Community Engagement

Student Support

  • Our Education & Community Coordinator represented BAM Construction at a Kent Local Choices event for students from the local area who are risk of becoming NEET. She also supported Year 10 careers event at Longfield Academy for students within the trust, and delivered two STEM workshops for Year 9 and 10 students at Invicta Grammar School.
  • Workshops were delivered to Year 10 students from St Augustine Academy.
  • We delivered careers workshops for Year 8 students linking STEM to careers.
  • Students from West Kent YMCA – Horizon Project visited site.
  • Students from Maplesden Noakes School were given a guided tour around site.

Career Development

  • Royal Engineers from nearby Chatham barracks visited site as part of their professional qualifications, one of which undertook a six week placement onsite and gained a greater understanding in how things are actually built and the temporary works required to allow it to happen.
  • Wood has been recycled through Community Wood Recycling Social Enterprise helping local residents into training and employment.
  • These has been 16 work placements from local schools and colleges.
  • Plumbing students from East Kent College visited site.

Key Challenges

Maidstone Borough Council were imposing a number of conditions, including significant development of local transport links. Some initial concerns were raised by residents about the potential impact on queuing traffic around the entrance of the school. This was addressed by creating a large drop off zone within the car park area.

The team worked tirelessly to get the scheme through a challenging planning process. Early contractor appointment was essential to ensure affordable design prior to planning submission. The team have worked hard to achieve this ahead of planning.

Contact: Darren Birch, Framework Manager

Email: dbirch@bam.co.uk