Building work on Medway's newest secondary school is ahead of schedule, despite lockdown.

The steel framework of the three-storey Leigh Academy Rainham building off Otterham Quay Lane is taking shape as applications open today for prospective students.

A virtual fly-through of what Leigh Academy Rainham should look like when it's finished

The multi-million pound school, which was given the go ahead in January , will be the only mixed-sex non-selective comprehensive in the area and bosses expect to be over subscribed by the time applications close in November.

Each year group will consist of 180 pupils with the first Year 7s due to start in September 2021.

Principal designate Alex Millward said: "We do expect that we will fill all of those places so it's a really exciting opportunity for those children to be coming to us as a new mixed comp.

"Obviously it'll be a little bit different for those children as they'll be the only year group in the school, and I know there has been some concern about whether that affects their social development at secondary, but they will be mixing between themselves as a year group and actually they'll be that founding year group."

Important decisions on the interior decor of the school are currently being made, while it's been decided the uniform will include a grey blazer with coloured braiding around the lapel with matching tie, black trousers and skirts plus a branded school bag.

Mrs Millward added: "The bit I'm most looking forward to is recruitment. I think the challenge there is working out what your staffing model is going to look like, what teachers you want and then basing that on the best quality you get through that recruitment process."

The school will also have a four-legged member of staff in the form of English Bulldog, Brandy, who is currently in training at The Hundred of Hoo Academy and will become the dog mentor at Leigh Academy Rainham.

Mrs Millward said the puppy will play a very important role: "We've done a lot of research around dog mentors and we have one currently already at The Hundred of Hoo. They do such a wonderful job working with pupils who have need, even supporting staff as well with their wellbeing.

"Brandy is in her current training and she'll be rocking up to the gates on the first day in her bright orange jacket and collar to say hello and meet and greet pupils."

Following a trial at another academy run by Leigh Academies Trust, each pupil at the new Medway school will be given a Chrome Book which will be used in lessons and also for homework.

But, Mrs Millward stresses they won't replace books, pens and pencils: "I'm really passionate about pupils still hand writing, still writing in exercise books.

"This is about enhancing that curriculum offer, giving students opportunities to be more equipped at using technology - because let's face it, that's what careers in the future are going to look like - and enhancing the opportunity to look at different resources in lessons, it's certainly not to replace traditional book learning."

Mrs Millward, who grew up in Rainham, is keen for the school to become part of the community and has spent the summer holidays meeting local shop owners and independent businesses.

A car dealership has already agreed to a form of sponsorship to benefit pupils, and it's hoped others will follow suit.

Leigh Academies Trust was founded in 2008 and the school in Rainham is the 12th secondary they will run alongside 11 primaries and one special school.

Due to lockdown, the application process for prospective pupils has been extended until November, 30.

News from our universities, local primary and secondary schools including Ofsted inspections and league tables can be found here.

Read more: All the latest news from Medway