Kent’s first medical school has been granted degree-awarding powers ahead of its first ever cohort of doctors graduating this summer.

A joint venture between the University of Kent and Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU), the Kent and Medway Medical School (KMMS) admitted its first students in September 2020.

Built to support the healthcare needs of the county, which is currently in the midst of an A&E crisis, uni chiefs have worked tirelessly to win the approval of the General Medical Council, the sector’s regulator.

It’s now been confirmed KMMS has joined the list of institutions authorised to award UK primary medical qualifications.

It is a major milestone for the establishment, which boasts more than 500 medical students – the first cohort of which will graduate this summer.

Professor Chris Holland, founding dean of KMMS, said: “Opening a new medical school has been a tremendous privilege.

“This announcement marks a day I’ve long awaited, and it reflects the extraordinary dedication, hard work and belief of so many.

“From our staff and colleagues at Kent and CCCU, to our NHS partners, benefactors, local community stakeholders, and of course, our remarkable students, this is a shared achievement.

“Our founding students joined us during the global pandemic and put their faith in KMMS and our vision and they have worked so hard to complete their course and to support and work with all of us as we shaped the school together.”

Like all new UK medical schools, KMMS has undergone rigorous evaluation by the GMC to ensure it meets the high standards set out in its stringent guidelines.

Since the regulator’s first visit in 2019, the school has been subject to a series of thorough inspections — both in-person and virtually during the pandemic.

Professor Rama Thirunamachandran, CCCU’s outgoing vice chancellor, said: “It has taken a lot of hard work, dedication, and vision from many colleagues across the two universities, the medical school, and partners to achieve this milestone.

“When we started our work, many years ago, to bring to life the concept of Kent and Medway’s very first medical school, little did we think that it would be opening its doors in the middle of a global pandemic.”

Professor Georgina Randsley de Moura, Interim vice-chancellor at the University of Kent, added: “This is great news for everyone who has worked to ensure that the KMMS is delivering for our students, the medical profession across the UK and our region, where hospitals, local practices and patients will benefit from a new generation of highly skilled doctors.

“It is also testament to the hard work of colleagues here at the University of Kent and our partners at Canterbury Christ Church University, the NHS, and beyond, to ensure that we have a world-class medical school right here on our doorstep - one that we should all be proud of and continue to expect great things from.“