Proposed decision:
That the Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, be asked to:
1) APPROVE the allocation of £1,400,000 from the Children’s, Young People and Education Modernisation Capital Programme to enable the replacement of mobile buildings at Dover Grammar School for Girls.
2) DELEGATE authority to the Director of Infrastructure in consultation with the Director of Education and SEND, /Head of Law (or other officer with delegated authority) to enter into any negotiations, and contracts, contract variations or other legal agreements, as required, to implement the decision
3) DELEGATE authority to the Director of Infrastructure to be the nominated Authority Representative within the relevant contractual agreements and to enter into such variations as envisaged under any of these contracts.
Reason for the decision
The cost of the proposal will be in excess of £1,000,000.
The replacement of two existing mobile buildings is required to ensure that the school can continue to provide education in safe, fit-for-purpose accommodation.
Replacement of the modular builds supports KCC’s statutory duty regarding ensuring there are sufficient school places for all who require one.
Background
KCC has a mobile refurbishment/replacement programme as part of the modernisation programme. The condition of each mobile building on a maintained school site has been assessed. From the assessment, the refurbishment or replacement of each modular building has been prioritised. Two mobile blocks at Dover Grammar School for Girls have been identified as needing replacement in the next 12 months.
Options (other options considered but discarded)
Refurbishing the mobile units was considered and rejected. The condition of the buildings is such that refurbishment works would not provide good value for money.
The option of doing nothing was discarded. The buildings are life-expired and the space they provide is required by the school.
How the proposed decision supports the Council’s Strategic Statement
The proposal supports the following:
Aim 2 objective 2 in that the rebuilding of the mobile classrooms with fit for purpose facility is a responsibility expected by, and is in the best interest of Kent residents.
Aim 2 objective 2 in that this proposal is part of a strictly managed capital programme.
Decision type: Key
Decision status: For Determination
Notice of proposed decision first published: 09/02/2026
Decision due: Not before 11th Mar 2026 by Cabinet Member for Education and Skills
Reason: To allow 28 day notice period required under Executive Decision regulations
Lead member: Cabinet Member for Education and Skills
Lead director: Christine McInnes
Department: Education & Young People's Services
Contact: David Adams, Assistant Director Education (South Kent) Email: david.adams@kent.gov.uk Tel: 01233 898559.
Consultees
The proposed decision will be considered at the Children, Young People and Education Cabinet Committee on 17th March 2026.
Financial implications: Across the three financial years 2025/26 to 2027/28, £18,600,000 has been budget to the Children’s, Young People and Education Modernisation Programme. The Programme is funded from a combination of the Schools Condition Allocation Grant (provided by Department of Education) and prudential borrowing. This programme is used to upgrade existing facilities in KCC maintained schools along with the repair and replacement of mobiles on KCC maintained school site where they remain an essential part of the school’s accommodation. The cost of replacing the two mobile blocks at Dover Grammar School for Girls is expected to be £1,400,000. This is affordable with the current programme commitments. No revenue funding is required to support the proposal unless, the project was aborted, which is considered low risk.
Legal implications: Planning permission will be required for the necessary related works. KCC is responsible, pursuant to the Education Act 1996, for ensuring sufficient school places are available. Replacement buildings are required by the school so as to ensure they can accommodate all pupils and therefore deliver the curriculum efficiently.
Equalities implications: Equalities implications An EqIA has been undertaken. No adverse impact has need identified for protected groups. As the replacement building will be fully DDA compliant, it will have a positive impact for pupils with a disability. Data Protection implications A DPIA was not required.