A school built in the 1950s is being given a futuristic makeover thanks to a £1.58m government grant.

The main building at Norton Knatchbull School in Hythe Road, Ashford, will be transformed into a modern, energy efficient construction with new windows and roof thanks to the cash injection from the Department for Education’s (DfE) Academies Capital Maintenance Funding.

Head teacher Susanne Staab said: “The building was in need of repair and updating as it was built in the 1950s.

“It’s not just about aesthetics, it’s about the learning environment the refurbishment will create inside. This is also going to make the building future-proof energy wise.

“When the building is complete it will provide a really vibrant and exciting learning space for the students. It is often assumed that grammar school students can learn in any environment, but we feel our pupils deserve the very best. This is very exciting.”

Work, being carried out by Kir Construction after plans were drawn up by architects Roberts Limbrick, is due to start within days and the building will be completed by March 2015.

Full story in this week's Kentish Express.