Secondary education in Deal has suffered another setback with the announcement the new school building at Castle Community College will not open until 2017.

The first meeting with the Priority Schools Building Programme team from the Department for Education revealed the opening date will be one year later than planned.

But important steps have now started in the planning process.

Governors have signed paperwork for feasibility work, and school bosses and governors are preparing an educational brief for how the new build should meet the curriculum.

Interim principal Jane Hadlow said there were exciting times ahead.

She added: “We know how disappointed everyone will be with this news but it is totally outside of our control and we do share your frustration at this announcement.”

For the full story and reaction, see the Mercury out now.