EKC Sheppey College Launches Major Extension
Sheerness Revival
EKC Sheppey College has officially unveiled its new campus extension, boosting opportunities for young people across the Isle of Sheppey.
EKC Sheppey College, part of the East Kent Colleges Group (EKC Group), has now launched its brand-new extension, significantly enhancing its capacity, facilities, and the breadth of opportunities available for learners aged 14–19.
The major expansion is part of Swale Borough Council’s Sheerness Revival Project, funded by the UK Government – a wider project aiming to improve health, leisure, education and employment opportunities across the Island.
Its three core elements include the expansion of EKC Sheppey College, the
renovation of the Healthy Living Centre at Beachfields, including upgrades
to the health provision, and the creation of business units for young
entrepreneurs at Masters House.
The major expansion is part of Swale Borough Council’s Sheerness Revival Project, funded by the UK Government – a wider project aiming to improve health, leisure, education and employment opportunities across the Island. Its three core elements include the expansion of EKC Sheppey College, the renovation of the Healthy Living Centre at Beachfields, including upgrades to the health provision, and the creation of business units for young entrepreneurs at Masters House.
At the EKC Sheppey College extension launch event, guests explored the new facilities through student-led tours, showcasing cutting-edge engineering and digital equipment now available on campus. Lucy McLeod, CEO of EKC Group, said:
“It’s absolutely fantastic to host our launch event for the extension of EKC Sheppey College. “The new space is inspiring not only for our college community, but also for the wider Swale area. We are excited to see how it will support growth and create meaningful opportunities for the communities we proudly serve on the Island and beyond.” The extension enables the College to deliver a wider and more specialised curriculum that responds directly to local industry needs. Alongside new programmes for 16–19-year-olds, EKC Sheppey College has also launched its brand-new Junior College provision for learners aged 14–16.
Alexandra Syrotiuk, Principal of EKC Sheppey College, said:
“We’re thrilled about the new extension because it represents a major step forward for education on the Island. It will help local people gain the skills they need to move into employment, right here on Sheppey and across the surrounding area.
“We’ve worked closely with local employers and stakeholders to shape our
new curriculum. With so many logistics, distribution and engineering
businesses locally, it’s vital our students leave us ready to step confidently
into the world of work.”
MP Kevin McKenna also attended the launch event and said the extension
will play a vital role in strengthening Sheppey.
“This fantastic new extension at EKC Sheppey College is a major
investment in the future of young people on the Island,” he said.
“By expanding opportunities and equipping students with the skills local
industries need, it will play a vital role in strengthening Sheppey and
supporting long-term economic growth, while also helping to tackle
generational inequalities that have held parts of our community back for
too long.”
Cllr Monique Bonney, chair of Swale Borough Council’s Economy and
Property Committee, added:
“It has been amazing to walk through this
brand-new state of the art college extension, where just over a year ago a
car park once stood.
“This new facility will help East Kent College provide the highest standard
of education for young people on the Island, teaching them the sought
after skills needed to launch successful careers.
“The Sheerness Revival project is not just about improving infrastructure; it
is working to improve the lives of everyone in Sheerness for years to come.
“This government funded project is helping boost education, health
provision, employment opportunities, and leisure facilities for local
residents.”
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