School’s £14m project underway

GOVERNOR of the Bank of England, Mervyn King, visited Canterbury’s Spires Academy in Sturry to ‘turn the turf’ and mark the start of work on the school’s £14 million new building.

He said: “When the first turf is moved it is a very important step and this is a tremendously exciting project for Spires Academy.

“I’m just thrilled to be here and I hope to come back and see it when it’s finished.”

A student from each of the year groups in Spires Academy was invited to the ceremony, along with their parents.

Year eight student Chloe Cleverley, 12, said: “I am really excited that the Governor of the Bank of England has visited us and surprised that our school got the opportunity of a visit. I think that it represents Spires in a really good way and I am looking forward to being in the new building.”

The building, due to be opened next September, will offer the academy a purpose-built space in which to showcase the visual creative and performing arts, as well as supporting its expertise in business and enterprise.

The design for the academy, which will accommodate 600 students in six learning areas, was developed in close consultation with Kent County Council, academy leaders, sponsors and students.

Spires Academy leader Helen Foster said: “I feel privileged that the Governor of the Bank of England has taken an interest in our school. We are a small school, with a family atmosphere, but our students leave here with big ambitions and great potential in their lives and careers.”

Government approval was secured by academy sponsors Crown Products of Herne Bay, Holiday Extras and Kent County Council.