Pupils, parents, and community stakeholders gathered this week at Pilgrims' Way Primary School in Canterbury for a steel signing ceremony, celebrating progress on the construction of a state-of-the-art, sustainable new school building.

The multi-million project, delivered by Morgan Sindall Construction on behalf of the Department for Education (DfE), will replace the school's ageing infrastructure with a modern two-form entry primary school. The development will provide improved educational facilities for up to 420 pupils and is set to open in early 2026.

The event, held on December 11, welcomed two pupils, their parents, school staff, and representatives from the DfE, Canterbury City Council, Veritas Multi Academy Trust, Morgan Sindall Construction, and design consultants Arcadis. Attendees included Barton Ward Councillor Connie Nolan, DfE School Rebuilding Programme Director Luke Kennedy, Morgan Sindall Southern Home Counties Area Director Guy Hannell, Pilgrims’ Way Headteacher Emma Campbell, and Veritas CEO Kerry Jordan Daus.

The new school will feature a hall, classrooms, a kitchen, and a multi-use games area (MUGA), while the existing nursery will remain on-site and integrated with the new infrastructure. Designed with sustainability at its core, the project aligns with the DfE’s net zero carbon goals.

-- Advertisement --

Key eco-friendly features include air source heat pumps (ASHP) to minimise reliance on gas, photovoltaic (PV) panels on the roof, and high-performance insulation, windows, and doors to achieve an exceptional U-Value rating. Morgan Sindall will also use its CarboniCa digital tool to measure and reduce carbon emissions throughout the project's lifecycle, from design to construction and operation.

Construction is being carefully managed to ensure minimal disruption to the school's daily activities, as the work is taking place within a live school environment.

Guy Hannell, Area Director for Morgan Sindall Construction in the Southern Home Counties, said: "The steel signing ceremony marks an exciting moment in the creation of the new Pilgrims’ Way Primary School. The high-end and sustainable educational environment being created is a real testament to the close, innovative nature of the collaboration between all the stakeholders on the project, including our team, the school, the DfE, Veritas and Arcadis.

"With our Canterbury office just down the road, we know the important role this school plays within the local community and are aware of the many benefits the development will provide 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 area."

Luke Kennedy, School Rebuilding Programme Director at the Department for Education, said: "I am delighted to see construction progressing on the new Pilgrim’s Way Primary School. The way in which the school, Morgan Sindall and other stakeholders have worked in partnership to drive this forward is an excellent example of collaboration. The end result, replacing the current 1970s buildings with a new 21st century learning environment will make a difference to local children for many generations to come."