Today marked the start of a journey to expand Dover Christ Church Academy’s learning space in a £10.9million scheme.

Work is due to begin next Tuesday at the school by contractors Willmott Dixon Construction under Kent County Council’s Batch 2 Academies Programme.

It is set to be complete by September 2015.

The school will see the delivery of a new extension offering specialist and vocational teaching spaces including science laboratories, hair, beauty, textiles and catering.

Included is an extended sports hall with remodelled dance and fitness suites, and new changing room facilities.

The central block of the academy’s existing buildings are being retained, with remodelling and refurbishment to provide a new main hall and dining area.

Head teacher, Samantha Williamson said: “The academy today is a very important place, staff here at the academy share my belief in the students.

“Together we can achieve a dramatic rise in standards.”

Iain Smith, director of finance and operations at the academy said: “The new build will help Dover Christ Church Academy achieve its ambition to provide first class education to its pupils in the local community.”

Last year the academy celebrated its “best ever outcomes” for students on the government’s key measure of five good GCSE passes including maths and English.

The academy aims to achieve an outstanding Ofsted report on its next inspection.

Chairman of DDC, Sue Nicholas said: “When the new build of the academy is completed it will provide our young people of the Dover district with an educational facility of excellence, what a wonderful investment this is going to be.”