A primary school is set to double in size - with plans unveiled for a major transformation.

Bosses at Teynham Primary, near Faversham, want to demolish its current home and erect a new two-storey structure – citing issues with heating, insulation and ventilation.

Classes per year will also rise from one to two, with pupil numbers expected to increase from 210 to 420 by 2031.

Head teacher Elizabeth Pearson says the project will ensure families can continue to access education in their local area, and the school is “excited” about the new prospective home.

The current building was erected as a temporary structure 50 years ago and “suffers from woefully inadequate insulation, heating and ventilation systems”, according to plans submitted to Kent County Council (KCC).

It also suffers “greatly” from overheating in the summer and carries “extremely high” heating costs in winter.

“The new facilities are key to providing a significant improvement to the existing learning environment for pupils and staff, as well as facilitating the expansion of the school,” the statement reads.

If approved, it is hoped the works could start as early as October – and be completed by 2025.

The new building would be created while pupils continue to use the outdated schoolhouse, which was built in the 1970s, with an expected lifespan of 25 years.

The project would also see a hard surface multi-use games area built (MUGA) and additional parking facilities.

Marisa White - KCC’s area education officer for east kent - acknowledged the difficulties Swale parents face getting their children into primary school.

She said: “Providing sufficient primary school places in Swale can be challenging. Many school sites are not capable of taking additional accommodation.

“Without the expansion of Teynham Primary School, children will be unable to attend a local school.

“Commissioning sufficient school places, in the right locations and making changes in school organisation has a significant impact on securing Kent’s vision that every child and young person should go to a good or outstanding early years setting and school.”

Speaking about the plans, Ms Pearson told this paper: “Expansion will also bring additional jobs, as staff numbers increase across a number of sectors, including education, hospitality and administration.

“The new building will enable our pupils to enjoy a purpose-built facility, with specialist teaching areas and dedicated areas for sport, all with disabled access, including a lift to the first floor.

“A nursery space is also part of the design, as per the existing school.

“The new-build will echo our school ethos beautifully as we learn, enjoy, grow towards a new era in school education here in leafy Teynham.”