A decade after a Dover school was due for closure after being named the worst performing primary in the country it is now set for a £3.5 million expansion.

Since 2006, White Cliffs Primary College For The Arts has been on an incredible journey.

After being rated outstanding by Ofsted, it is now gearing up for an expansion project which will see pupil numbers doubled and more jobs created.

The primary school in St Radigund’s Road is constructing the new building to meet growing demand and provide modern facilities.

The project started in September last year and the new two-storey premises is expected to be completed and open on April 7, 2017.

Head teacher Sue Knight Fotheringham said: “The focus of the school is on raising standards and using the ideas and the needs of the children to drive improvements forward.”

Pupil numbers will go from 210 to 420 and the 14 extra classes will also mean 14 new teachers and support staff.

Building work is well under way with 8,000 cubic tonnes of chalk moved on site by construction firm Walkers.

It is being built on land that was once a grassy verge with an air-raid shelter, as the school was originally a dressing station for wounded soldiers in the war.

Mrs Knight Fortheringham said: “The board of directors, which includes parents, has made sure the highest safety standards have been maintained.

“The children love watching the progress and we’ve used it as a learning opportunity with Pebbles Nursery and reception children creating their own building site.”

The new building will include key stage one classes, Pebbles Nursery, a hygiene suite and counselling and therapy rooms and an 80 sq m play area.

As part of the developments, the existing hall and kitchen will also be expanded so the primary school can continue to supply high-quality school meals, cooked on site each day.

White Cliffs is over-subscribed and, with the Whitfield housing expansion creating 5,750 new homes, demand is set to grow.

Mrs Knight Fotheringham said: “We have worked very closely with the local authority to be able to accommodate children and families who are struggling to get places in local schools.

“The local authority has been extremely supportive in helping with the expansion programme and in ensuring the best provision for Dover children.”

The head teacher joined the school in 2007 shortly after it became a federation school and linked to Astor College.

She said a relentless focus on what is best for the children and a drive to give them the best possible education, as well as support from parents and staff, was the key to turning the school into an outstanding one.