Grammar School St. Olaves Kent: Education AV Installation Case Study
At Grammar School St. Olaves Kent, the audio-visual setup was long overdue an upgrade. The school needed a system that supported its academic and creative ambition. Not one that left teachers scrambling for workarounds and IT staff untangling cables. Audiotek was selected to rethink the AV infrastructure for assemblies, productions, and daily teaching. Resulting in an education AV installation that works for students, staff, and stage crews alike.
St. Olaves Kent Project Challenges
St. Olaves Kent faced some familiar—but frustrating—challenges:
- An ageing PA system that no longer met the needs of the space
- Cumbersome controls that relied too heavily on the IT department
- Inconsistent quality across sound, projection, and lighting
- A lack of flexibility for multi-purpose use of the theatre
The goal was clear: futureproof the AV system while making it more intuitive and reliable for day-to-day use.
Project Scope – AV Installation at St. Olaves Kent
Audiotek delivered a top-to-bottom AV refit. This included:
- Complete redesign and installation of the sound system
- Upgrade of the video distribution system
- Integration of theatre lighting with user-friendly controls
- Installation of an overall control system for audio, lighting, projection and blinds
- Testing and certifying of existing infrastructure, including lighting bars and fixtures
This wasn’t just about shiny new gear; it was about making the system usable for non-specialist staff.
Design Approach to Education AV Installation
This wasn’t just about shiny new gear; it was about making the system usable for non-specialist staff.
The system was designed with two user groups in mind: the technical team managing productions, and everyday school staff delivering assemblies or events.
To meet both needs, Audiotek created two operational layers:
- Technical Mode: Full access to sound desks, lighting consoles, and manual overrides for complex shows.
- Simple Mode: Touchscreen-based control of everyday functions. Screen, projector, blinds, and sound, all at the press of a button.
The control logic was designed around clear, one-touch options, with preset modes for assemblies, guest speakers, and performances.
Key Innovations
- QSC Q-SYS DSP and Control: A robust digital signal processing and control platform, allowing simple automation and complex show operation from a single system.
- Martin Audio CDD Loudspeakers: Reliable, high-quality sound dispersion throughout the theatre, giving clarity for spoken word and musical performance.
- Powersoft Amplification: Energy-efficient amps that deliver clean, punchy sound while keeping running costs down.
- chamsyslighting.com/product/quickq-20r: Intuitive mixing for productions with easy scene recall and USB recording capability.
- Chamsys QuickQ Lighting Console + Chauvet Pro Fixtures: A flexible, performance-ready lighting setup capable of handling both theatre shows and simple mood scenes.
- SY Electronics Video Distribution: Seamless HDMI connectivity and switching for presentations, media playback, and laptops.
St. Olaves Kent project Installation & Execution
Audiotek worked closely with the school’s senior leadership, governors, and IT team to deliver a phased installation that didn’t disrupt school operations.
Installation included:
- Rack building and wiring
- Programming of control logic and presets
- Structural testing of lighting bars
- Onsite training for teaching and technical staff
Commercial & Educational Insights
This case highlights how AV investment can support both curriculum delivery and student creativity.
Commercial Value
Fewer tech support callouts thanks to simplified control
Maximised use of theatre space for a wider range of events
Energy-efficient equipment reduces operational costs
Educational Benefits
Enables more ambitious theatre productions and assemblies
Supports guest speakers, performances, and multimedia use
Encourages student involvement in technical roles and production
Conclusion – Education AV Installation That Empowers Learning
With its new AV system, St. Olave’s Grammar School Kent can run world-class school productions one day and a seamless assembly the next. The system is technically capable, but not intimidating. It gives teachers confidence, students opportunity, and IT staff a well-earned break.
Audiotek’s approach turned a legacy system into a flexible, user-first solution. Built for education today and ready for whatever comes next.
