The Harris Wing Entrance and Science Lab is open for business.

Science lab

Our new lab has hosted its first lesson, a Year 12 practical involving distillation. It is an excellent lab and our foyer into what is now called the Harris Wing is a superb space as well.

Work started on the Covered Way in the summer holidays of 2025. Our contractors, Baxall, worked with speed to dismantle it, by carefully removing the cladding and ceiling which had been in place sine the construction of New Wing in the 1960s. 

Significant challenges included thick concrete flooring, which had to be removed, the appalling weather conditions throughout the building works and the failure of the water supplies throughout Tunbridge Wells.

Nevertheless, over the following months, the new science laboratory, prep room and foyer took shape, and despite the challenges faced by a live construction site at the heart of the school, school life continued apace.

Students returned from their Autumn half term to find the outer shell of the new laboratory taking shape, hinting at the superb facilities to come. When they returned from the Spring half term break, construction was complete, and the superb new Science Lab and Prep room were handed over to the school.

Sarah Davies our Head of Science welcomes the new teaching space "The "Covered Way" is no more. In its place stands a bright and inspiring new Science laboratory and prep room, transforming a familiar space into one designed for discovery. Flooded with natural light with a beautiful glass canopy beside the windows,  the space, provides students greater opportunities to take part in engaging, hands-on practical science—experimenting, questioning and discovering for themselves". Sarah goes on to highlight the impact of the new Lab,

 "With 22 A level Science groups, an entire GCSE cohort studying all 3 Sciences, and several Key Stage 3 classes running at the same time, Science at Skinners' continues to thrive and demand for laboratory space is high. This new lab and prep room, both of which are our biggest yet, ensure all students get even better access to fantastic Science teaching and learning and we are no longer bursting at the seams!

With your support, we can continue to invest in facilities that ignite a lifelong love of learning and help shape the scientists, innovators and problem-solvers of tomorrow."

Sarah Davies. 

Our grateful thanks go to the very generous support of a legacy from ex-Governor of the school and Liveryman of the Skinners’ Company Colin Harris, along with a significant donation from the Armes family. Without both, this £1 million investment in the schools facilities would not have been possible.