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Rainham could be getting a new secondary school

16:04, 27 July 2019

updated: 16:50, 27 July 2019

Developers and an academy trust want to hear people's opinions about a proposal for a new school.

It is hoped building works for The Leigh Academy Rainham will start in autumn and the school will open by September 2020.

A site known locally as Westmoor Farm, off the junction of Otterham Quay Lane, Rainham and Moor Street has been earmarked for the school.

CGI mock-up of what The Leigh Academy Rainham will look like. Picture: Leigh Academy Trust Newsletter
CGI mock-up of what The Leigh Academy Rainham will look like. Picture: Leigh Academy Trust Newsletter

It will be a mixed gender secondary school for 11-18 year olds.

Despite plans to take pupils from September 2020, according to The Leigh Academies Trust's summer 2019 newsletter, the building will not be finished until later in the academic year.

The newsletter states: "The Trust has been fortunate to secure the premises of a nearby independent school - Meredale School (in Solomon Road, Rainham)- which is soon to close, as well as use of playing fields which are immediately adjacent to the site.

"These facilities will enable 180 places to be available to the local community."

The application period for pupils to start at the school will be in September - October 2019.

The principal for The Leigh Academy Rainham will be Carl Guerin-Hassett.

"My values of Dream, Believe and Achieve will be evident in everything we do," - Principal Carl Guerin-Hassett

In his welcome message on the school's website Mr Guerin-Hassett said: "I genuinely care about the life chances of all young people, and as the Principal of Leigh Academy Rainham, I find the prospect of being instrumental in raising aspirations and attainment in this community enormously exciting.

"My values of Dream, Believe and Achieve will be evident in everything we do, implementing the IB curriculum alongside our small school model will ensure the learning experience for every student is personalised and purposeful."

The school will offer the International Baccalaureate qualification.

Developers Bowmer and Kirkland will soon begin a planning consultation process, before submitting the proposals to Medway Council.

A public exhibition will be held at St, Margaret’s Millennium Centre, Gatekeeper Chase, Rainham on Friday, September 6 between 2pm and 7pm.

To register your interest in the school click here.

Contact the project team by emailing info@leighacademyrainhamplans.co.uk.

Read more: All the latest news from Medway

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