An article in Kent Online records the particular challenge faced by the new Ebbsfleet Green Primary School, due to open in September. This one form entry school (increasing to two as demand grows due to new housing) which will be admitting children into nursery, reception, year 1 and year 2 classes was going to begin with temporary classrooms on site, before moving into the permanent premises in September 2021.
However, the builders, Kier, are reported to be behind schedule on the temporary buildings which will not now be ready for September. As a result the school, to be run by the Maritime Academy Trust, is to open in spare classrooms at Bligh Primary School in Strood.
One can only wonder how many other major building projects across Kent and Medway are similarly stalled. I am hearing rumours of one new school not opening at all for September.
Currently Bligh Primary in Strood is part of the Barnsole Primary Trust which is discussing a merger with (takeover by) the Maritime Academy Trust, based in Greenwich whose CEO is currently also Interim CEO of the Barnsole Trust. I had assumed this proposal was inevitable and this decision is further evidence of it. The nine mile journey may appear daunting, but both schools are close to the A2/M2 so it makes a great deal of sense when weighed against the alternatives.
According to the KM, the proposal is currently with the Department for Education awaiting approval. The Trust is in discussion with Kent County Council to arrange transport, and the school is planning ot meet 'virtually' with prospective parents next Thursday to outline arrangements. At present there is no mention of the issue on the school website.