proposed secondary school expansion
Introduction
Maritime Academy Trust is seeking the views of parents/carers, staff and other stakeholders on a proposal to make a significant change which consists of 3 parts:
- Acquiring an additional site on Cornwallis Avenue, Gillingham
- Increasing the planned number of pupils in its Academy from 280 (PAN from September 2026) to 530
- Changing the age range from 4-11 to 4-19 years
Danecourt School is a Special School and part of Maritime Academy Trust. The school currently has 293 pupils on roll aged 4 - 11 across 3 sites. All pupils have a wide breadth of special educational needs including, autistic spectrum disorder (ASD), speech, language and communication needs and severe learning difficulties.
The information below explains the reasons for the proposal, and how the decision-making process works. We would appreciate your views and comments on the proposal.
What change is being proposed?
Danecourt School is currently a primary special school providing education for children aged 4 to 11 years. It is proposed that the age range be extended to 4–19 years, enabling the school to support pupils through to the end of their secondary phase of education.
Why?
The establishment of Danecourt’s secondary provision is a priority project for Medway and will create an additional 250 places for pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). This expansion will significantly reduce the reliance on costly independent and out-of-area placements in future years.
As a result of the proposed expansion, the total planned pupil capacity will increase to 530, incorporating the additional 250 places within the new secondary provision.
Land for the proposed new building has been identified on part of the currently vacant site on Cornwallis Avenue, Gillingham. A separate portion of this land has also been designated for the development of Inspire Academy.
Utilising the remaining area on Cornwallis Avenue for Danecourt’s secondary provision will support the local authority in fulfilling its statutory duty to provide sufficient school places. There are limited alternative sites available across Medway that are suitable for this purpose.
It is proposed that the identified land be allocated to Maritime Academy Trust and leased under a standard academy lease arrangement for the Danecourt secondary provision. The lease would be co-terminus with the existing Danecourt School site, which currently has approximately 115 years remaining.
Will the admission arrangements to Danecourt change?
No, the admissions arrangements and processes will remain the same. All children attending Danecourt School will have an EHCP and all consultations for placement will come via the Special Educational Needs (SEN) department at Medway Local Authority.
What are the advantages to this proposal?
The proposed expansion of Danecourt School to become an all-through special school will provide significant benefits for pupils and their families. It will enable children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) to continue their education within a Medway special school throughout both their primary and secondary years, reducing the need for placements outside of the local area. This will minimise travel times, help pupils remain connected to their local community, and reduce disruption for families. In addition, an all-through provision will ensure continuity of education, allowing pupils to benefit from a consistent approach to teaching, support, and therapeutic interventions delivered by staff who are familiar with their individual needs. This continuity will support smoother transitions between phases of education, promote emotional wellbeing, and help pupils to achieve the best possible educational and personal outcomes in a stable and supportive environment.
Are there any disadvantages to this proposal?
No, this proposal will provide additional highly sought after school spaces required by the Local Authority for children with special educational needs.
What happens next?
Prior to the application for a significant change being submitted to the Regional Schools Commissioner (RSC), we are required to commence a 3-week consultation process which started on 12th March and closed at midday on Thursday 2nd April 2026.
I have a question – who can I ask?
If you have any questions, please email Emma Holt – Office Manager on the following dedicated email: secondaryconsultation@danecourt-maritime.org