EKC Broadstairs College launches Margate Digital Campus

EKC Broadstairs College has officially unveiled its new Margate Digital Campus, boosting opportunities for people across Thanet.

The EKC Broadstairs College Margate Digital Campus is a brand-new, state-of-the-art creative hub located in the heart of Margate. It currently has 92 students in its 16-19 provision, with plans to grow to around 200 by its third year.

It’s one strand of East Kent Colleges Group (EKC Group), which has six further education colleges in Ashford, Broadstairs, Canterbury, Dover, Folkestone and Sheppey, and nine adult training centres across East Kent.

The creation of the exciting space forms part of Thanet District Council’s Regeneration Programme, which has been funded by the UK Government. This funding was set to create a digital and education campus with studios, gallery, café and workshops at the former M&S building in the High Street.

Work started on the state-of-the-art Campus in 2025. The project includes 2,000 square metres of industry-relevant training space which aims to help future generations gain qualifications and step confidently into the creative industry as they kick start their careers.

Courses on offer include T Levels in Animation and Illustration, Content Creation, Digital Production, Design and Development as well as a Level 3 qualification in Visual Effects.

At the Campus’ launch event, guests explored the new industry standard facilities, including Kent’s second largest motion capture suite.

Speaking at the launch event, Lucy McLeod, who is the Chief Executive Officer of EKC Group, said: “It’s been fantastic to host the launch of our Margate Digital Campus, and I am incredibly proud of the partnership between EKC Group and Thanet District Council, which has brought the site to life.

“The state‑of‑the‑art facilities showcase the exceptional equipment available to our students, alongside an innovative curriculum designed to prepare them for the future. We are very much looking forward to seeing them thrive in this inspiring new environment.”

As part of the Campus development, EKC Group has established a sector‑leading partnership with Margate‑based stop‑motion animation studio A+C Studios, working closely with them to shape the curriculum and develop a brand-new T Level qualification in Animation and Illustration.

Part of the Campus is also designated to EKC Training which is EKC Group’s training provider. Adult courses in Maths, English, ICT, and short courses for those looking to get into jobs in Business Administration, Customer Service roles, Health and Social Care and Hospitality are all offered at the Campus.

The modern classrooms have been built to support adults to develop their skills and grow their skills. Breakout spaces allow students to relax and meet other adult learners in between lessons, too.

Rhona Williams, Principal of EKC Training, said: “EKC Training’s provision at the Margate Digital Campus is incredibly valuable to our adult learners and the wider community.

“The centre offers an inspiring, modern environment with excellent facilities that support learners to build confidence, develop new skills and progress into meaningful opportunities.

“It plays a key role in strengthening our local community by creating accessible pathways to learning and employment. We are proud to be part of such a vibrant and accessible space that truly makes a difference.”

MP Polly Billington also attended the launch event and said the Campus could create Thanet’s next creative legend.

“What’s so great about the Margate Digital Campus is that it shows that there is a belief in Thanet,” she said.

“This is a big investment in the future of Thanet, which is our young people,” she said.

“We’ve always had a strong heritage of creativity and art that goes all the way back to JMW Turner, right up to the present day with Tracey Emin. Where are the next Turners, where are the next Tracey Emins? They could be here.”

Cllr Rick Everitt, Leader of Thanet District Council, added: “This is a cutting-edge facility.

“We know we’ve got high youth unemployment rates, we know we need to offer training opportunities for our young people, and I think they’re going to be really excited by this space.

“We’re also hopefully going to see more people in the high street which will add to the revitalisation of the high street, too.”

Beverly Fordham, who is Kent County Council’s Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, also attended the event and said the facility offers several opportunities to young people, and adults.

She said: “For me the most exciting part of this project is it’s managed to look at the whole ethos of what we’re trying to do, which is get young people highly skilled qualifications that exactly reflect what the industries need.

“It also enables those older learners who need to return to access all the facilities here. It’s an excellent digital hub for everyone.”