A sixth-former at Goodwin Academy has given up his spare time to produce an extraordinary website compiling the history of the 80-year-old secondary school before its demolition.

Arran Powell, 17, has produced the eight-page site, as well as a mobile compatible version. His research includes trips to Deal Library, speaking with ex-pupils on Facebook and meeting with former teachers and head teachers.

Not only is the website likely to gain him the top distinction mark in his ICT coursework, but it will also be an invaluable resource full of precious content once demolition has taken place.

Arran, who lives in north Deal, started researching in September 2015 and building the website at the beginning of 2016. He used up his free periods between lessons to dig out artefacts and scan items. He spent his evenings writing.

By flicking through the East Kent Mercury archives in Deal Library, he found the article reporting on the school’s opening, dated January 4, 1936, and went on from there.

He also discovered, with the help of school caretaker of 19 years, Mike Howard, more archive documents hidden in a store room at the Mill Road site. They included a scrap book kept by Barbara Rutherford, head teacher from 1937 to 1968, and an old light.

This will be hung in the new school as a Remembrance light in memory of students who have passed away when the new building opens in September.

Arran said: “I found out that the school was going to be demolished, and I really like it here, so I thought let’s learn a little bit about it before it gets knocked down.

“I’ve tried to leave no stone unturned. If there’s something to be found out, I’ve found it out.”

After going live with the site in December, he added: “I’m really pleased with it.”

The website covers all bases –even before the school was built.

Principal Simon Smith said: “We’re very proud of what Aaron has done and the work ethic that it took for him to create this website.

“The number of hours he has put into this on top of his studies is admirable.

“He’s gone over and above to compile the school’s history on one website.”

Visit history.goodwinacademy.org.uk to view Arran’s work.

To find out more about the story behind the website, pick up this week's East Kent Mercury - out now.