The new school year brought a new location for some Ramsgate pupils.

Ramsgate Arts Primary’s new £4 million building opened this week, following two years of operating from mobile classrooms on the Chilton Primary site in the town after launching as Ramsgate Free School in September 2015.

The new specialist curriculum has a focus on art, drama, dance and music.

With arts development central to the school, a year-long learning arrangement with Turner Contemporary art gallery in Margate is already under way.

Head of school Nick Budge said: “For a specialist arts school, the link with such a prestigious gallery as Turner Contemporary is fantastic for our pupils and our staff.

“It is widely recognised as one of the leading art centres in the UK and we are proud to be
working with their team. This is an amazing journey that marries art and education.”

As pupils settled in, the school council members shared their thoughts on their new surroundings.

Head boy Malaki said: “It is very exciting to have a new school built just for us. I saw it go
from a pile of rubble to this brilliant place. It was like magic.”

Head girl Lilly agreed: “It makes me feel cosy and safe. It is quieter for learning, even though there are lots of children. It is a lovely place to be to do our work and have fun.”

Ramsgate Arts Primary School is part of the Viking Academy Trust with Upton Juniors at
Broadstairs and Chilton Primary.

Executive head teacher Michaela Lewis said: “The new build is a great step forward for the area - it is a fabulous space for teaching and learning and is somewhere that the children of Thanet can flourish in our arts programme."