Canterbury school set for sustainable makeover by Morgan Sindall

Published by

Daniel Face

A vision of the future at Pilgrims' Way Primary School

Work will soon to begin to transform the facilities at Pilgrims’ Way Primary School in Canterbury, Kent after planning permission was granted last October.

The existing 1970s-era building will be demolished to make way for a highly sustainable two-form entry school, accommodating 420 pupils.

Among the new facilities planned are classroom spaces, a hall, kitchen, and multi-use games area (MUGA).

The scheme will also help advance the Department for Education’s net zero objectives through the use of air source heat pump technology – reducing reliance on gas heating – and the installation of solar panels on the roof.

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Morgan Sindall, the firm responsible for the works, plans to use its inhouse digital tool, CarboniCa, to ensure potential carbon outputs are managed and reduced before, during and beyond construction.

Guy Hannell, area director for Morgan Sindall Construction in the Southern Home Counties, said: “With our Canterbury office just down the road from Pilgrims’ Way Primary School, we’re aware of the vital work this school does and the impact the development is going to have for the city’s young pupils and families.

“Our understanding of the area, its challenges, opportunities, and requirements, has helped guide this project, ensuring the school is tailored to the needs of the community.

“We’re looking forward to getting started in delivering a high-end, sustainable educational environment which will benefit from our extensive experience in the sector and our collaborative partnership with the DfE.”

Pilgrims’ Way is operated by Veritas Multi Academy Trust, which also runs Warden House Primary School in Deal and Mundella Primary School in Folkestone.

Trust CEO Dr Kerry Jordan-Daus added: “This is a very exciting project for the school and the community.

“The new buildings will enable us all to continue to provide irresistible learning for all but also spaces for the wider community to use.

“We’re really looking forward to seeing the building project getting underway.”

The new building should be ready for occupation in September 2025. In the meantime, Morgan Sindall will plan building work so as not to disrupt the school’s day-to-day operations.

Daniel Face

Born and raised in Berkshire, Dan fell into journalism after completing his bachelor’s degree in English at UCL. Writing for The Business Magazine and local Biz News sites has given him the opportunity to chat with all manner of small business owners and share their success stories with a wider audience. Outside of work, Dan enjoys live music, board games and quiz shows, and is making a slow but persistent effort to learn Spanish.