Deal's two secondary schools could merge, with a new building possible on the Castle Community College site and continued use of Walmer Science College.

Both sets of governors have just given the amalgamation the go-ahead and the ambitious idea will officially go to consultation with parents and the community in September.

Falling pupil numbers have prompted the move, as well as the fact that the Mill Road school has reached the age of 70.

Castle Community College head teacher Christine Chapman has described the changes as exciting.

"The school has passed its sell-by date and it is time it was replaced."

It is hoped the new development will be provided by Building Schools For The Future, the biggest ever school buildings investment programme which aims to rebuild or renew nearly every secondary school in England.

Mrs Chapman said it was hoped there would be a new school on the Mill Road site, with the buildings at Walmer Science College still in use too.

Castle Community College has 650 pupils and numbers are falling. Walmer Science College, Salisbury Road, has 792.

Walmer’s head teacher Simon Heaton said the end result, should it happen, could mean the closure of two schools and the opening of a new one.

For more details, see this week's East Kent Mercury.