About the Academy

The proposed St Augustine Academy would continue to provide free education to the local community but with a new perspective and meaning.

Initially, the Academy would open in the existing Astor of Hever Community School buildings: Oakwood Road, Maidstone, Kent, ME16 8AE in January 2011.

However, in September 2014, it is anticipated that students would transfer to new purpose built premises with state-of-the-art facilities.

The Academy would work closely with the community, providing a focus for learning and access to a range of facilities. During the consultation period the Sponsor will be keen to hear from members of the community to ensure that they identify what extended services are needed and how best to provide them.

The Sponsor believes that the proposed Academy would play an important role in the local community. 

Specialising in Business and Enterprise, the Academy would provide a wide range of learning opportunities across the curriculum, providing students with the opportunity to explore the world and understand issues that relate to the past, present and future. 

The Academy would offer excellent routes to further and higher education and support both academic and vocational choices for students.

Woodard Schools believes that the Academy proposal offers a unique opportunity to enrich education in West Maidstone. There are a number of distinctive aims of the Academy:

 

Our young people at the centre

• Preparing young people to lead full and creative lives.
• Inspiring confident young people with a "can do" attitude and an articulate voice on their community and their future prospects.
• Encouraging all students to excel in pursuing their particular gifts.

 

The community at the heart

• An Academy that would be 'open all hours', from early morning for breakfast clubs to late evenings and weekends for extended services and community use.
• Expanding community involvement and opportunities.
• Developing a strong philosophy of community service.
• Creating a broad provision of facilities and activities for the benefit of the wider community.

 

Building lasting partnerships

• Building on existing collaborative arrangements with local schools and partner agencies.
• Developing partnerships with local organisations.
• Offering the best pathways to the world of work and local economic regeneration.
• Participating within the family of Woodard Schools to enhance current good practice in order to value, care for and nurture young people.