School to expand on land earmarked for graveyard

Land originally set to be used by Woodlands Cemetery in Gillingham will now be used to expand Inspire Academy

A number of schools in Kent are set to expand, including one on to land previously reserved for a graveyard, in an effort to meet growing demand for school places.

Medway Council's cabinet has met to discuss how best to spend £25.5m of government money on expansion plans over the next two years.

A total of 14 expansion or relocation projects are planned using the funding from the government to help create 1,435 new school places by 2030.

Tracy Coombs, the council's portfolio holder for education, said the investment meant the authority would be able to offer "quality education in local schools".

Previously, 1.6 hectares (4 acres) of empty land at Cornwallis Avenue, Gillingham, had been allocated as a new site for Inspire Academy to provide SEND places.

The remaining 3.35 hectares (8.3 acres) was reserved for a graveyard expansion, however a report has claimed a change of attitude towards burials over the next century means the land would be better used for education.

Councillors have agreed to support the recommendation made in the report, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The government has also awarded the council an additional £4.8m for 2025/26.

Ms Coombs said the money would reduce the number of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities travelling to schools outside their catchment areas.

It has been suggested that the Marlborough Centre, for pupils with autism spectrum disorder, is moved from Hoo St Werburgh Primary School to a vacant building at Twydall Primary School.

In Gillingham, there is expected to be an increase in demand for school places in years four to six, despite a surplus in reception and years one to three.

The council is proposing to expand New Road Primary School, Chatham, from a 1.5 form entry (FE) school to two FE – meaning two classes per school year, at an estimated cost of £2.5m.

Similarly, the council is considering expanding Greenvale Primary School, Chatham, from a one FE school to two FE, doubling its capacity, but funding for the projected £4m cost has not yet been found.