'Uni-esque' sixth form in pipeline at Bennett Memorial Diocesan School

A SECONDARY school in Tunbridge Wells has applied for permission to build a new sixth-form study centre in its grounds.

Bennett Memorial Diocesan School, in Culverden Down, has this week submitted plans to Tunbridge Wells Borough Council planning officers for a single-storey sixth-form centre to provide students with an environment similar to university.

The Church of England school wants to remove a disused shed and allotment area and build a centre with a main study space, two classrooms, two offices and a reception area and cafeteria.

However, pupil numbers at the school will not change.

The proposed 512 sq m building aims to provide students with "modern 'university feel' learning accommodation to encourage students to further their education at the school", according to a design and access statement.

Head teacher Ian Bauckham said he wanted to improve the facilities for sixth form students at the school by creating a building to house a relaxation area and state-of-the-art computer facilities.

He added: "We have taken the decision that we want to build a dedicated learning and study environment for sixth form students which is as similar as possible to the sort of study and research facilities students will use when they go to university, as this is the destination of the majority of our students."