An “outstanding” primary school is set to be revamped after it was “left in ruins” by a devastating fire.
Rodmersham School, near Sittingbourne, was left unable to reopen for seven months following the roof blaze in October 2023.
However, Kent County Council (KCC) has now lodged new plans with Swale council to upgrade the premises, many of which are currently temporary units.
The proposals include a new single-storey extension, with a new classroom and staff room inside, which would be built if approved.
Meanwhile, the current building would also be refurbished into a new headteacher’s office, a family liaison office and a library.
Two of the temporary units will be removed once these works are finished.
The project is expected to be completed by August 28 next year.
Following an investigation into the cause of the blaze, the fire service confirmed it had started accidentally as a result of repair work being carried out on the roof due to a leak.
In the aftermath, the school’s 130 pupils were split between classroom units at Rodmersham, Bapchild and Tonge Primary School and Canterbury Road Primary School.
This was to allow the major reconstruction of the main building, which dates back to the 1880s.
Despite this, the school was still rated “Outstanding” by the education watchdog Ofsted in October 2024.
Following an inspection on July 10 and 11, the watchdog confirmed that it had continued to deliver “high-quality” education.
The report said: “The school values of ‘family’, ‘fairness’ and ‘fearlessness’ shine through at this school.
“Nowhere is the concept of being ‘family’ more evident than in the school’s response to the recent fire.”
Head teacher Nicky McMullon said she was “incredibly proud” of the result after the school was “left in ruins”.
Swale council has set itself a determination deadline of September 15.
KCC has been approached for further information.
