A SCHOOL farm is to close at the end of the academic year as plans for new, state-of-the-art facilities are unveiled.

Maidstone's Astor of Hever Community School plans to sell off about two acres of a six-acre area which currently operates as a working farm.

An estimated £2 million raised from the sale could be used to build an assembly hall with stage, lighting and sound systems and a new classroom block, improve ICT facilities and increase the size of school playing fields.

The remaining four acres of farmland could be turned into an all-weather sports facility, with additional funding from the FA in partnership with South Park Rangers.

Head teacher Martin Carroll said: "The school wants to build a new hall and replace mobile classrooms with permanent classrooms.

In order to finance that, the governors have taken the decision to sell some of the farmland.

"It wasn't an easy decision for the governors to take. There are a small number of students who are very passionate about the farm, and who get a lot of benefit from it, but they are a very small proportion of the school.

"It costs the school a lot of money to run the farm. They decided that, although over the years it has benefited the children, there are a lot more things that could be done for a lot more children.

"We are fed up of being the only school without a hall - we can't have plays; we can't have concerts. That is a very important part of life for the school."

The school officially gained specialist sports college status at the beginning of term, but Mr Carroll said that was coincidental to the plans.

The new sports facility would be available for community use at weekends and in school holidays.

The head teacher was not able to comment on the future of two members of staff who work at the farm, but added: "The school will be looking to keep the staff on, but obviously they wouldn't be able to stay in their present roles."

Farm animals slaughtered in the natural course of farm business will not be replaced, and the school will make plans for the disposal of the rest during the year.

Alternative arrangements will be made for a small number of students who are following courses at the farm.

Kent County Council will now seek outline planning permission for the two acres earmarked for the sale, which is expected to take until the end of the school year.