Work on a new school building for Platt CE Primary School is now officially under way!

The ground at the news site was broken today, with the help of Tonbridge and Malling MP Tom Tugendhat, head teacher Jenna Crittenden, chairman of governors Paul Vallance, and the schools’ head boy and girl Philip and Lucy.

Over the past weeks the site has been prepared, including clearing of a dedicated woodland area for a new forest school. The whole school will move to the new site for the next school year in September 2021.

Constructor Baxall, appointed by Kent County Council, is building the school and on-site sports hall that will sit alongside a large playing field.

Mr Tugendhat said: "It’s great to be involved in such a momentous occasion for the school.

"Platt CE Primary School sits at the heart of its community and the new school site, and its wonderful facilities, will ensure the school can continue to deliver an excellent standard of education for many years to come."

Mr Vallance said: “Planning permission was secured way back in 2012 so it’s wonderful to see work starting."

"We are really looking forward to seeing the build progress over the coming months.”

Head teacher Jenna Crittenden said: “We are so excited. The whole school is looking forward to moving into the new building and making use of the sports hall, playing field and Forest School.

"We have a wonderful, caring school and our whole school community, current and future, will have even more opportunities once we have made the move.”

Platt CE Primary School was established in 1846 and moved to its current site in 1912.

The new site is on the other side of the A25, next to the Memorial Hall building.

The school will remain a single form entry school.