Pupils in Ashford could go to a new sixth form next September when the Wye School opens to A-level students for the first time.

Leaders at the Olantigh Road site – which opened in 2013 – gained planning permission to convert the existing Kempe Centre into a sixth form earlier this year.

They are holding an open day next week to show prospective pupils around the site, which is the borough’s first free school.

Chairman of governors Margaret Williams said: “We are now very excited about the next stage in the school’s life when our founding year group moves into the sixth form in September 2018.

“We will be offering a wide range of A-levels, there will be a lot of choice with all of the conventional subjects covered.

“Because there is a wide range of vocational education already on offer in the Ashford area, we will be offering primarily an academic curriculum.”

Mrs Williams says work on 12 new classrooms, a hall for assemblies and sports hall is expected to start soon.

Pupils from Year 7 to Year 11 currently using Portakabins and temporary classrooms in the Kempe Centre will be moved to the new buildings when they are finished next September.

The sixth form students will take over the upper floor of the Kempe Centre, which will feature a common room and seminar rooms.

Mrs Williams added: “For us, launching the sixth form is just as exciting as when we opened the school in 2013.

“This is the next big step in the life of the school.

“Anyone interested in joining the sixth form from other schools will be made very welcome at the open day.”

Mrs Williams expects to take in 75 sixth form students when the site opens next September.

The open day, which will be held from 6pm to 8pm at the school next Thursday, November 2, is open to all.

Visit www.wyeschool.org.uk for details