Pupils chart progress of Ramsgate Free School build – and here’s what to expect next

Ramsgate Free School in progress

It’s just like building with giant Lego bricks – that’s the verdict of children watching a 100ft tall crane carefully lower another classroom unit into place as the new Ramsgate Free School takes shape before their eyes.

Young members of the school council returned to the site in Newington Road to prepare another progress report for classmates.

And they all agreed: “We can’t wait until it is finished. It is going to be a fantastic place to go to school.”

They have monitored the progress from ground clearance and demolition to the arrival and erection of the purpose-built learning centre which opens for the new school year in September.

‘Taking shape’

Head of School Nick Budge said: “It is really taking shape now. The children can visualise what their school will be like. It is very exciting for us all, and the school council who are the eyes and ears of their classmates will report back their latest findings.”

Executive Head Teacher Michaela Lewis added: “The local community has clearly caught the buzz of excitement about the new school – we have received lots of requests from parents keen to visit the school and who are interested in placement for their children.”

June workforce

Colin Power, Project Manager for constructors McAvoy, said during June a workforce including joiners, plasterers, electricians and dry liners will be at work on the 48 15-metre long units that arrived during May by sea and road from Ireland.

The project has been underway since January and landscaping is ongoing. Mr Power added: “The beauty of this type of construction is that if the school expands, more units can be added relatively easily.

“It has been a positive project so far and we are happy to report that we are on target for opening on September 3.”

The primary school is for 420 children aged 4-11 years old. The purpose-built complex will be renamed Ramsgate Arts Primary School to reflect its arts-based facilities, including recording studio, music suite, arts and dance centres.

Ramsgate Free School is part of the Viking Academy Trust with Upton Junior School and Chilton Primary School.