We will use this page to keep a diary of key moments along with thoughts and feelings of colleagues and learners as the project progresses
Please do enjoy reading the contributions over the coming weeks.
Planning has been submitted.
This feels to us like a fantastic moment in this project and the start of something wonderful for our school and community.
Bay House School has evolved from a Grammar School to a Comprehensive and grown to include a Sixth Form. Through this the site has adapted to a growing student roll that now sees it as one of the largest schools in the country. We have a stunning, historic listed building and we have 'temporary' classrooms that some of the student's grandparents remember. With marriage of opposites the school site can feel like a hodge podge of buildings that have no connection and movement around the school can feel cramped. It is rare that a school has the opportunity to look at the design of the whole site and really think about the improvements that would make the most difference to the students that learn here.
It may feel like the start of something wonderful, but It is actually not the start. In fact it is nowhere near the start. This project has already been going for over two years. The DfE informed us that we would be part of the first 50 schools to be involved in the school rebuilding programme in February 2021. We were in the second lock down at this time and we were all struggling to find some light at the end of the the tunnel, but this was such a fantastic pick me up. Since then we have been working really hard with the DfE to scope works and plan this project. It has grown from a relatively small project refurbishing a small area of the school to one of the largest projects the team have worked on involving the demolition of 6 buildings and the construction of three much larger blocks along with the refurbishment of large areas of the site.
The design that has been created by the team involved is absolutely fantastic and I cannot wait until these are real spaces for our learners to use. I am so excited by the amazing canteen design, with it's seated space for many more students, transforming the lunchtime experience for all our students. The improvements to sixth form spaces will bring a new age to this aspect of our provision. The care that will be given to the old house will see this rejuvenated for next generations. For me though, the most wonderful thing of all is the thought that has been given to the school site as a whole which will mean a learning environment I will be excited to enter every day, space that is easy to move around and a place that we can all be proud is part of Gosport.
Mr R.Peet
We are thrilled to share a significant update on the King's Academy Bay House rebuild project. After over four years of careful feasibility studies and meticulous planning, we are ready to begin this transformative journey. Enabling works will officially commence on site from 3rd January 2025.
What to Expect First:
Our appointed contractor, Kier, will begin initial works by closing off the rear drive to facilitate the enabling phase. At the same time, the tennis courts will be secured and cordoned off in preparation for the arrival of 117 temporary units. These units will form a fully functional temporary school site, ready for occupation following the summer break.
This is a major milestone for our school and community, marking the first tangible step toward a modern, purpose-built environment that will inspire and support students for generations to come.
Managing Change Together:
We understand that a project of this scale will require adjustments to daily routines. While we are working hard to ensure a smooth transition, we also anticipate a few challenges along the way. We kindly ask for your understanding and patience as we progress through these important phases of the project.
Keeping You Informed:
We are committed to keeping you updated as work progresses. Monthly updates, including photographs and key milestones, will be shared on this page to keep our school community informed every step of the way.
A Bright Future for King's Academy Bay House:
This rebuild is a rare and exciting opportunity to reshape our school site into a modern, cohesive space that meets the needs of our growing student body. The result will be a school environment that is more spacious, efficient, and inspiring—a place we can all take great pride in.
While there may be bumps in the road, the outcome will be transformational for King's Academy Bay House and the wider Gosport community.
Thank you for your ongoing support as we take this important step forward. Together, we are building a better future for our students, staff, and community.
Mr Kevin Rochester
Head of Estates, Hampshire & Portsmouth