An historic school is set to go under the hammer at auction.

North West Kent Alternative Provision Service previously had five sites across Dartford, Gravesham and Swanley.

It provided short-term respite placements for pupils aged five to 14 and longer placements for pupils aged 14 to 16.

However, the establishment shut the majority of its services and joined the Alternative Learning Trust in 2020.

It now serves youngsters from a main hub in Richmond Drive, Gravesend.

One of the sites no longer in use is The Rosemary Centre in High Road, Wilmington, near Dartford, which is being sold by Kent County Council (KCC).

Also once Wilmington County Primary School, the property is to go up for auction with Clive Emson at 11am on Wednesday, May 1. It has a guide price of £500,000 to £520,000.

The site, nearly one acre in size, is primarily one main single-storey building, with three rooms on a second floor which was previously the school headmaster's area.

Auctioneers say the property "may be suitable for a wide variety of commercial uses or perhaps conversion to residential".

"Equally there may be potential to redevelop the playground and/or car parking area, again subject to all necessary consents being obtainable."

The plans have not gone down well with residents and former pupils.

Commenting online, one person said: "Terrible news. I went there from 1963 until 1970."

Another added: "Such a shame. As someone suggested, [it] would make sense for a doctor's or dentist surgery."

A third person commented: "With so many children needing support in education, it should be a specialist provision."

The site also features a war memorial dedicated to soldiers from Wilmington who fought during both world wars.

A plaque also sits on a wall to mark those who attended the school, which was built in 1850 to replace The Dames School.

Cllr George Holt (Con), who represents Wilmington on Dartford council, said: "The preservation of the war memorial, and ensuring the land is of community value, is the key priority.

"As the borough councillors, we'll continue to build on the existing dialogue and will continue to work closely with Wilmington Parish Council, Kent County Council residents and any new incoming land owner to ensure this is the case."