Major new developments including a theatre and sixth form boarding house are planned for Dover College for its 150th anniversary.

The independent school, at Effingham Crescent, announced the plans on Tuesday and a formal consultation takes place in August.

Headmaster Gareth Doodes said: “This an extremely exciting day for Dover College and a milestone in the history of the school, which is the culmination of 16 months of intense work and planning.”

The development is called Project 150 and is being grown in the run-up to the anniversary year of 2021.

The plan will see the building of a creative arts centre and theatre which, the school says, will also act as a focal point for the local community.

To enhance its boarding provision the College will build a co-ed sixth form boarding house.
This is a rolling programme, which will develop over 10 years from now and could see developments built on five parts of the school premises.

Other plans considered include a new teaching accommodation and a new nursery area.

Options for the development on each part of the site are being kept open in anticipation of public feedback.

For example a section earmarked for the teaching accommodation on the southern part of the school land could be used for a junior school extension and the teaching accommodation could go to the northern end.

Mr Doodes added: “Project 150 and the eventual developments it contains will equip our children for the future, providing them with fabulous facilities in which they can learn and succeed.”

Plans also include enhancing the children’s education by adding new developments in creative teaching, individual pastoral care and academic provision as well as a local link to benefit the wider community.

Mr Doodes said: “We will provide outstanding teaching and exceptional opportunities.

“Pupils at Dover College will be given the opportunity to realise their full potential.

“I am very excited to be spearheading this project and leading the College during this exciting time.”

The official consultation for Project 150 is from 5.30pm on Monday, August 15 at the Great Hall, Dover College, Effingham Crescent.