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.

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.

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.

Gallery1

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.

Read more: All the latest news from Sittingbourne