This is how one of Medway's flagship academies could look when work to transform it is finished.

The diggers moved into Brompton Academy, in Marlborough Road, Gillingham, this week to begin the task of demolishing the majority of the site and erecting new buildings.

These will include an all-weather sports pitch, a scientific lecture theatre, drama theatre, sports hall, fitness suite and coffee bar.

Principal Judy Rider donned a hard hat along with some of her pupils as work, which is due to be completed by Christmas 2013, got underway.

She said the work "marked a key milestone in the journey of this vibrant school", which opened in 2010 and was formerly known as New Brompton College.

"At last we are to see our vision emerging from the ground before our very eyes - a brand new academy of educational excellence and learning for Gillingham," she said.

"It has been a long, long road - five years of continuous lobbying - to get to this point, but our young people, their families and our whole community will not be disappointed by the outstanding facilities, ICT infrastructure and opportunities that this new building will provide."

t It is not the only academy in the Towns undergoing redevelopment.

Work is underway at the Bishop of Rochester Academy for a new school building with outdoor sports pitches, a new entrance in Magpie Hall Road, Chatham, and a staff car park. The work is due to be completed in summer 2013.

This is on the site of the former Medway Community College, which closed along with Chatham South School to form the academy, which opened in September 2010.

Building work at Strood Academy, in Carnation Road, is already well advanced. Fashion designer Zandra Rhodes turned the first sod at a ceremony in March to mark the start of the project.

Like the Bishop of Rochester Academy project, the work is scheduled to be completed in summer 2013.

Strood Academy, which opened two years ago, was formed following the closure of Chapter and Temple schools.