King's School Rochester

Project Brief

The project involved a full refurbishment and extension of the Science department at King’s School Rochester, transforming outdated laboratory facilities into a modern, fully accessible STEM environment. Although located within a conservation area and adjacent to the cathedral, the building itself was not listed, allowing for a sensitive but ambitious redevelopment.

The works included the complete renewal of existing laboratories, improvements to the departmental entrance to create a strong STEM identity, and the introduction of additional teaching and preparation spaces. The project aimed to reposition King’s Rochester as a centre for excellence in STEM education, both physically and within the curriculum.

Purpose

The existing science laboratories no longer met the needs of modern teaching or the school’s aspirations for STEM. Facilities were outdated, preparation space was insufficient, and accessibility across the department was limited.

The project was driven by a strategic desire to place STEM “on the map” at King’s School Rochester, aligning with curriculum priorities and long-term school improvement goals. By investing in a full departmental refurbishment rather than incremental upgrades, the school sought to create flexible, future-proofed spaces that would support high-quality teaching, practical work, and inclusive access for all students and staff.

Key Outcomes

The completed project has delivered a clearly identifiable and enhanced STEM presence within the school, beginning with an improved departmental entrance. Laboratories have been enlarged through a carefully designed extension, increasing overall space and allowing for more flexible teaching arrangements. Preparation facilities were significantly improved, addressing previous shortfalls through the addition of a new prep room and better support spaces for staff. Accessibility has been fully integrated across the department, with step-free access to all ground-floor laboratories and the inclusion of a DDA-compliant toilet. Upgraded services and infrastructure now support contemporary science teaching while providing the flexibility to adapt to future curriculum changes. Overall, the refurbished department offers an inclusive, well-resourced environment that strengthens STEM delivery and supports a positive learning experience for students and staff.