Aspire School, off Staplehurst Road and Vellum Drive, Sittingbourne, appoints head teacher ahead of planned opening in September

Published: 12:00, 10 January 2020

Updated: 19:42, 15 February 2020

The borough’s first free school is rapidly taking shape – and its first head teacher has been revealed.

Neil Dipple has been announced as the person who will be in charge of the day-to-day running of the new Aspire School, off Staplehurst Road and Vellum Drive, Sittingbourne.

Executive head Ceranne Litton and head teacher Neil Dipple in front of works for the Aspire School in Vellum Drive, Sittingbourne. Picture: Matthew Walker

The school is designed for 168 youngsters with additional learning needs.

Mr Dipple has experience of working with children with additional needs having worked at Ifield School in Gravesend.

The £10 million construction project began last year and classrooms are due to be opened and used from September.

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It will be part of Grove Park Academies, which runs nearby Grove Park Primary School in Hilton Drive.

It is hoped work will be completed in time for the site to be handed over in June.

Work is underway for a planned opening of the new free school, which will be called Aspire, in September 2020. Picture: Matthew Walker

When it is complete, the school will be able to cater for 168 pupils who have additional learning and educational needs. Picture: Matthew Walker

The building project began in 2019 and will cost £10 million. Picture: Matthew Walker

It is being constructed off Staplehurst Road and Vellum Drive, near Sittingbourne. Picture: Matthew Walker

Executive head Ceranne Litton with Neil Dipple who has been appointed the school's first head teacher. Picture: Matthew Walker

Once finished, it will be Swale's very first free school. Picture: Matthew Walker

The school will be run as part of Grove Park Academies, which is also in charge of nearby Grove Park Primary School in Hilton Drive. Picture: Matthew Walker

New head teacher Neil Dipple has experience working with children with special needs at Ifield School in Gravesend. Pictured with executive head, Ceranne Litton. Picture: Matthew Walker

The school will open gradually over a number of years with only 32 joining in Year 1. Picture: Matthew Walker

Executive head teacher, Ceranne Litton said: "The building work is going well. Neil started work yesterday and will begin recruiting teachers and finalising the curriculum ready for opening.

"We’re beginning to update our website with more information but parents can also call us to discuss whether the school with be suitable for their children."

Only 32 youngsters will join Year 1. Parents can call Grove Park Primary School on 01795 477417.

Isle of Sheppey Sittingbourne

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