Proposals for a Canterbury grammar school to open a site in Herne Bay have moved a step closer to reality, after parents and councillors were informed of the plans.

In July, we exclusively revealed that Barton Court had been approached about expanding onto the site of the former Herne Bay Golf Club.

While head teacher Kirstin Cardus previously refused to confirm her involvement in the project, she has this week written to parents and councillors to ask for their support.

She has also invited them to a meeting on Wednesday when full details about the new school, which could open as early as September 2017, will be revealed.

Ms Cardus said the school could not expand on its “constrained site” and a new site would help it to cope with future demand for grammar school places.

The talks have been held with developer Mark Quinn, of Quinn Estates, and former KCC education chief Mike Whiting.

They were instigated by Herne Bay MP Sir Roger Gale, who supports the idea of a coastal grammar school.

Speaking in July, Mr Gale said: “Too many Herne Bay kids are bussed out of the Bay to Canterbury and Faversham’s grammar schools.

“They ought to be educated much closer to home and if it is possible to build a new grammar school then I am very keen on the idea.

“If it is achievable at Herne Bay Golf Club then Barton Court is a viable option. If we can make it happen I would be delighted.”

Quinn Estates wants to build the school, 600 homes and a sports hub on the golf club site, which has been included in the new draft Local Plan.