A Government minister visited Ashford’s North School as part of a tour of new or refurbished schools.

Jonathan Shaw, Regional Minister for the South East, visited the Essella Road site on Wednesday day morning.

He was greeted by head teacher Lesley Ellis and met several pupils including head boy and girl Michael Gill and Chantelle Davies.

He spent just over an hour at the school, touring the premises and viewing new features such as an all-weather pitch and drama studio.

Mr Shaw said: “Kent schools are getting £228 million for new buildings over the next three years.

“Now we are seeing what difference that investment makes at The North School.”

The North is one of 180-plus new or refurbished schools opening this term, which have been built through the Building schools for the Future programme.

The Government is providing £21.9 billion for investment in buildings and facilities, including ICT, over the next three years.