New Carbon 6 Academy at Discovery Park in Sandwich will have ‘best facilities in the country’ for science students

A groundbreaking new academy offering “the best facilities in the country” for budding scientists is set to launch next year, KentOnline can reveal.

It will be based at Discovery Park in Sandwich and prepare sixth form students for the “jobs of the future”, thanks to its access to surrounding tech firms.

Bosses say the Carbon 6 Academy of Science will be the first of its kind to be based in a science park, providing students with a unique environment and career support and opportunities.

Already the initiative has been given the blessing of the Minister for Science Research and Innovation, Lord Vallance who says it will “inspire the next generation of innovators.”

The academy will offer 60 places for A-level students of biology, physics, chemistry, and maths and to those who otherwise have shown special promise and aptitude for the STEM subjects.

The new facility is a joint venture with the science park but led by the Whitstable-based Amelix Education Resources, which already works closely with The Canterbury Academy Sixth Form and T6 Turner Sixth Form, based in Folkestone.

“There is simply nothing like it in terms of facilities and access to cutting-edge technology firms,” says Russell Sauntry of Amelix Education Resources, who is heading up the initiative and is its director of sixth form.

“Students at the Carbon 6 Academy will be studying in a workplace environment surrounded by tech firms, which is surely an inspirational setting.”

Carbon 6 will have a dedicated student support programme and pastoral care, including tailored preparation for university applications in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, degree apprenticeships in STEM, as well as research placements and internships

Discovery Park is home to 180 companies and about 3,000 employees, many working at the cutting edge of science and technology.

The 220-acre campus supports global pharmaceutical leaders, billion-dollar multinationals, and high-growth start-ups, creating a dynamic setting for innovation.

Carbon 6 leaders say its students will benefit from the best laboratory facilities of any school as well as direct exposure to the scientific world through guest lectures, mentoring, work placements and collaborations with industry professionals.

The new free-to-attend academy will be open to all students achieving Grade 6 or higher in science GCSE subjects, with no catchment area requirements.

The first cohort of students will be Year 12s starting in September 2026, with the school expanding to encompass Years 12 and 13 from 2027.

Mr Sauntry says the key advantage of the Carbon 6 Academy of Science is its partnership and home within Discovery Park and its world-leading scientists.

“The pupils will be embedded in a hugely specialised environment - something that is not available at any other sixth form establishment in the country,” he said.

“The facilities they will have at hand, like state-of-the-art laboratories, are the best you will find in any school and will prepare students for the jobs of the future. They are the best facilities in the country, there’s no doubt about that.

“They will also have access to facilities like the science park’s gym, games areas and restaurants and cafes.”

Chris Broom, head of business development at Discovery Park, is welcoming the Carbon 6 Academy of Science.

“The South East is a thriving hub for science, with the highest levels of life sciences employment of any region in the UK,” he said.

“Discovery Park is a key employer in east Kent, so we’re excited to be supporting Carbon 6 with our world-class facilities and industry connections, enabling ambitious young people to develop the expertise needed for fulfilling careers in STEM.

“This unique education facility will be a centre of excellence for the next generation of doctors, engineers, researchers and change-makers.”

Lord Vallance also welcomes the new academy.

“Kent's Discovery Park is home to some of our most innovative businesses, all of which play their own role in driving the breakthroughs and investment that make life sciences such a valuable part of our economy and industrial strategy,” he said.

“Immersing students into this thriving scientific and business community will inspire the next generation of innovators, essential for the future of these industries, and give young people the vital skills for the careers our economy needs.”

Prospective students and their parents are being invited to view the facilities and speak to education leaders at an open evening on Thursday, November 27, between 6pm and 9pm.

They can register to attend by visiting the Kent Choices website.