Bold plans to resurrect a secondary school which closed due to falling numbers have been approved by the government.

Barton Court Grammar wants to open a mixed free school with five forms per year at the former Chaucer School.

Its plans have now been given the green light by the government, meaning the 1,000-place school in Spring Lane can open.

“We are delighted that our bid to open a non-selective school on the former Chaucer School site has been successful,” Barton Court head teacher Kirstin Cardus said.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for students in the Canterbury and coastal district to attend a brand new innovative school which will work closely with Barton Court, which is already an outstanding school.”

"This is a fantastic opportunity for students in the Canterbury and coastal district..." - Kirstin Cardus

Chaucer pupils left classes for the final time in June 2015 following Kent County Council’s decision to shut the school as it was “no longer viable”.

Within months education chiefs admitted the site was earmarked for a future school to cope with anticipated population growth.

Barton Court leaders now hope to resurrect the site as early as 2019, providing 1,050 school places for 11 to 18-year-olds in the city.

In a statement on the school’s website, Ms Cardus said: “There is considerable demographic pressure on secondary school places.

“A new five-form entry secondary school will be needed for Canterbury and the local area by 2019.

“The former Chaucer School is adjacent to Barton Court and we feel this offers an exciting opportunity to open a new provision which from day one will work seamlessly with an outstanding school to ensure its success and popularity.”

Last month, Barton Court joined forces with the Charles Dickens School, a comprehensive in Broadstairs to create the Barton Court Academy Trust (BCAT), being led by Ms Cardus as the executive head.

The Chaucer plan was one of 27 free schools approved in the South East this week, creating 15,429 places.