The King's School Canterbury
Situated in the Precincts of Canterbury Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site, The King's School Canterbury stands as England's oldest school, tracing its origins back to 597AD. This distinguished co-educational independent school provides a modern education to over 890 students within an extraordinary historic setting. The school's vast estate is a mixture of architecture, from historic buildings to contemporary facilities, spread across approximately 220 dispersed buildings, many within public Cathedral grounds, others more isolated. This expansive footprint encompasses diverse amenities, including day and boarding houses, teaching facilities, a music school, sports complexes, and staff accommodation. WJ Sunstone Services also supports security at the affiliated Junior King’s Canterbury, located on an 80-acre estate a few miles away.
In 2015, King's management team initiated a comprehensive review of its security posture, seeking to elevate student safety and streamline operations. At the time, their security infrastructure relied on a disparate collection of analogue CCTV systems and a mosaic of hardware and software from multiple vendors. The school sought a unified, high-definition surveillance and access control solution capable of seamless operation across its entire, complex estate. The project presented significant, multi-faceted challenges:
Historic & Regulatory Constraints The predominantly historic buildings imposed limitations on new wiring and equipment installation. Thick stone walls and stringent regulations demanded innovative, non-intrusive solutions.
Vast & Dispersed Estate Unlike typical single-site schools, King's 220 scattered buildings, many within public access areas, required a highly adaptable and scalable security network.
Student Safety & Privacy Paramount importance was placed on student safety, necessitating comprehensive surveillance while strictly adhering to Department of Education (DoE) controls on privacy and data.
Operational Demands The solution needed to be cost-effective, user-friendly for diverse staff, require minimal ongoing maintenance, and offer flexibility to scale with the school's continuous development plans.
Speak to our Experts
Speak to one of our team today and find out which services and products are the right fit for your Premises, Council or School.
The WJ Sunstone Solution
Leveraging over a decade of partnership and deep understanding of the school's unique environment, WJ Sunstone Services designed and meticulously implemented a customised, future-proof security infrastructure. Our solution, built around robust core platforms and cutting-edge equipment, addressed every challenge with precision and innovation. Over our 12-year partnership, the comprehensive system has evolved to include:
285 High-Definition CCTV Cameras A strategic mix of advanced IP and HD TVI cameras (including discreet dome and versatile fixed cameras) provides crystal-clear surveillance across the entire estate.
47 Network Video Recorders (NVRs) Ensuring reliable, high-capacity recording and efficient management of all video feeds.
85 Access Controlled Doors Implementing sophisticated access control across key entry points, balancing security with the necessary flow of students, staff, and authorised visitors.
A key innovation was WJ Sunstone's ability to integrate high-quality HD TVI cameras over existing coaxial cables. This significantly reduced the need for extensive, disruptive rewiring within historic buildings, containing costs and seamlessly meeting rigorous requirements. Our expertise in software integration also proved crucial, enabling digital enhancements, advanced digital zoom, and vital privacy masking features that ensured comprehensive coverage while maintaining strict compliance with DoE privacy requirements in sensitive areas.
Our Difference
It's our blend of unparalleled expertise, commitment to bespoke solutions, and a proactive approach to your security. We don't just install systems, we partner with you to engineer a resilient security framework, backed by 24/7 support and a clear understanding of the unique compliance needs of Education and the Public Sector.
Speak to one of our team today and find out which services and products are the right fit for your Council or School.
Safety, Streamlined Operations & Enduring Partnership
The integrated security solution provided by WJ Sunstone Services has been exceptionally well-received and has delivered profound benefits across King's estate:
Assurance of 24/7 Student Safety With comprehensive, high-definition surveillance and controlled access, the school now benefits from enhanced safeguarding and the highest possible level of security for its students and staff.
Simplified Management The unified system is intuitive and easy for staff to operate, requiring less administrative overhead and providing improved reporting capabilities.
Irrefutable Evidence & Rapid Response Excellent HD image quality ensures immediate access to indisputable evidence for any incident, enabling swift review and appropriate action. For instance, motion-detection cameras in the recreation centre allow staff to quickly play back relevant events.
Operational Efficiency Streamlined access control and centralised monitoring capabilities enhance daily operations and reduce manual security oversight.
Cost-Effectiveness & Low Maintenance The innovative use of existing infrastructure and the design of a robust, low-maintenance system have delivered long-term cost efficiencies.
Scalability & Future-Proofing The architecture designed by WJ Sunstone provides the flexibility and scalability required to support the school's ongoing development plans, ensuring the system remains relevant and effective for years to come.
Our 12-year collaboration with King's School Canterbury stands as a testament to WJ Sunstone's commitment to long-term client success and continuous innovation in complex environments.
Our Customers
Over more than a decade of collaboration, WJ Sunstone has consistently demonstrated exceptional expertise and adaptability in securing The King's School. Their bespoke CCTV and access control system, comprising 285 high-definition cameras, 47 network video recorders, and 85 access-controlled doors has been carefully developed and refined to align with the evolving operational needs of the school. By integrating advanced technologies with minimal disruption to historic infrastructure, WJ Sunstone has delivered a future-proof solution that balances rigorous security with operational efficiency. Their commitment to innovation and compliance has made them an invaluable partner in safeguarding our school community
Jason Gossip
Head of Security, The King's School Canterbury
