The oversubscribed Herne Bay High is in talks about opening a satellite school on nearby land so it can educate every child in the town, the Gazette can reveal.

Principal Jon Boyes has already met with developers and is hoping to line up meetings with education bosses at Kent County Council about the proposal.

He believes a satellite school would help with the increased demand from future housing developments in the town.

In October he held talks with local developer Mark Quinn – the man behind the golf club housing project – but admits the proposal remains very much in its infant stage.

“I’m willing to put my money where my mouth is and take responsibility for the education of any child in this community,” Mr Boyes said.

“I’d like the satellite to be part of this school and relatively nearby, but with its own identity.

“I’m looking to work with Kent County Council to see how we can meet the education needs of this area.”

Herne Bay High – rated ‘Good’ By Ofsted last month - is already oversubscribed and each year has to turn down applications from children living as close as Herne and Hillborough.

With plans for new homes in both villages, as well as in Greenhill and on the former golf club site, demand is expected to increase further.

Mr Boyes said: “We provide a very good education, we’re highly regarded and we’re oversubscribed already.

“We are limited with space on this site as we’ve got just shy of 1,600 pupils and, if all the housing developments come off, there could shortly be 3,000 more homes in Herne Bay."

Mr Boyes has identified the nearby former driving range as a possible site for the satellite.

But its owners, Hollamby Estates – which is behind housing developments in Herne and Greenhill – says it has not yet been contacted by the school.

The firm’s Chris Crook said: “Our main priorities are securing planning permission for Strode Farm and Thornden Wood Village, so we aren't really considering what to do with the driving range.

"It's an interesting idea and I'd love to know more about it."