SPECULATION surrounding the future of two grammar schools in Ramsgate is at an end.

Kent County Council Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education, Cllr Mark Dance, has confirmed that Chatham House Grammar School and Clarendon House Grammar School will continue to provide single sex education for the foreseeable future.

Mr Dance said: “I have listened to the opinions of local residents and the headteachers and governors at both schools. What struck me was a desire by all to keep education at the heart of Ramsgate town centre and provide residents with the choice they deserve.

“If the government approves our submission under the Building Schools for the Future programme, then parents will have the choice for their children to attend a grammar school, non-selective school or the Academy in Ramsgate.”

The Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme is a programme of investment that will see every secondary school in the county rebuilt or refurbished within the next 10 to 15 years.

There had been growing speculation in Thanet that the grammar schools would be rebuilt away from the town centre.

Chris Wells, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Educational Standards, said:

“This is a decision that has been delayed for far too long, resulting in damaging speculation about the future, making both pupil and staff recruitment difficult.

"Both these grammar schools produce good results and we want to work with the local communities and these schools over the forthcoming years to ensure that 21st century educational facilities are brought to Thanet.”

Mr Dance added: “No one should doubt our intention to offer the very best in educational choice across Kent. We are committed to maximising the opportunities available through the BSF programme since we are determined to see the young people of today flourish and thrive.”

Laura Sandys, Conservative parliamentary candidate for South Thanet, said: “This is a great victory for the children of Thanet.

"With the proposals that Clarendon and Chatham House are also rebuilt on their existing sites, we keep our single sex choice and provide the best in school buildings at the same time.”

Ms Sandys is a governor of Ellington School for Girls at Ramsgate, expected to amalgamate with Hereson School for Boys, Broadstairs, on Ellington's recently opened £9m campus, in the next three years.

She added: "I will be continuing to make the case that we keep Hereson School and Ellington School as single sex schools throughout the current consultation process.

“KCC has listened to our concerns about the proposed restructuring and following several meetings and discussions are now offering the children of Thanet real choice of both the best in co-ed schooling and the best in single sex education.

“North Thanet MP Roger Gale MP and I have been persistent in our representation on behalf of the many parents who contacted us and are very pleased that they can now be assured of a choice.”