Morgan Sindall Construction has officially commenced work on Rosherville Church of England Academy, a new primary school designed to address the educational needs of Northfleet’s expanding community.

To commemorate the start of the project, a time capsule was ceremonially lowered into the ground, and a tree sapling was presented to the school. The sapling will be nurtured by pupils and staff over the coming year before being permanently planted during the practical completion ceremony, scheduled ahead of the school's opening.

The scheme, commissioned by Kent County Council in collaboration with the Department for Education (DfE), is the first in a new partnership aimed at enhancing educational infrastructure across the region.

The new academy, situated on the Cable Wharf estate near the River Thames, will replace the current Rosherville C of E Primary School on London Road, which is no longer able to accommodate the growing local population. The new facility will provide space for 420 students — an increase of 280 places — as well as a 26-place nursery and a 15-place specialist resource provision for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

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The campus is designed to offer state-of-the-art facilities, including a playground, a 3G artificial grass sports pitch, a multi-use games area, and wildflower gardens. A community science lab and a plaza for parents are also planned, underscoring the academy's focus on community engagement.

Incorporating inspiration from Northfleet's industrial past, the school will feature sustainable design elements such as sensory planting, green roofs, and photovoltaic (PV) panels to enhance biodiversity and achieve net-zero energy goals. Morgan Sindall's Intelligent Solutions approach is transforming the historically industrial site — previously home to a road and an ammunitions factory — into an environmentally conscious educational hub.

The cliffs bordering the site, once used as air-raid shelters during World War II, will remain undisturbed as a nod to local history.

The academy will serve as a cornerstone for the Cable Wharf estate, which includes 600 new homes. In addition to meeting educational needs, the project is expected to upskill local workers, create jobs, and stimulate the local economy.

Morgan Sindall has already employed a work experience student, a mechanical and electrical apprentice, and the first local labourer for the project. The team plans to involve the wider community through initiatives and economic development efforts. Vision points on the site’s hoarding will allow families to observe the school’s progress as it takes shape.

The school's design reflects Morgan Sindall's commitment to sustainability, with plans to increase site biodiversity by 10% through tree planting and other green measures. These efforts aim to foster greener community spaces and healthier environments for Northfleet's residents.

Once completed, Rosherville Church of England Academy is set to become a beacon of innovation and education for Northfleet, providing modern learning spaces and fostering connections between the school and its surrounding community.