A new name has been announced for Castle Community College, which is undergoing sponsorship to get out of special measures.

The amalgamated school, which consists of staff and pupils from the defunct Walmer Science College, will now be known as The Goodwin Academy from September.

It coincides with the sponsorship that also comes into effect at the same time.

The news was announced today (Wednesday), in the end of term letter from the chairman of governors John Baker. It accompanied the newsletter and was sent out to parents in school bags and email.

Mr Baker said: "Staff have recently been involved in a process to identify and select a new name for the school which reflects the whole Deal community."

Goodwin, refers to the Goodwin Sands, a stretch of sand between North Deal and St Margaret's.

Mr Baker, who was bought to the post last year, added: "We do intend to review and change the school uniform completely in time for our move to the new building in September 2017.

"This will involve a lengthy period of consultation and discussion with students, parents and staff."

The progress of the new build is still ongoing: "The schedule of meetings for this process has now started and we are currently engaging with the construction company and architects on the final design and internal layout of the school. There are many stages still to go through including final planning applications," he said.

For the full story, see the Mercury next Thursday.