Margate is a seaside town on the north coast of Kent in South-East England, in the District of Thanet. The town is 16 miles North-East of Canterbury, 80 miles from London and 22 miles from the port of Dover.

Margate became a popular place for holidaymakers in the 18th century, owing to easy access via the Thames, and later with the arrival of the railways.

During the late 20th century, the town went into decline along with other British seaside resorts, but it’s being revitalised.

Margate is the epitome of seaside kitsch. It has sandy beaches, fish n’ chips, seafood stalls and a vintage amusement park – Dreamland. 

From the golden skies that inspired JMW Turner, to the subterranean seashell grotto and caves beneath our feet, Margate has a lot to offer. It hosts a myriad of creative events, people and exhibitions. The town has a burgeoning food and drink scene, is brimming with galleries, artist studios and performance spaces.

It has a thriving design community, but as yet, no central event or location to draw this community together.

Margate, and Thanet, also have their difficulties. Margate’s high street is one of the most struggling in the country. Thanet, home to Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate, is the most deprived local authority in Kent. It has the highest rate of youth unemployment in the South-East. Five of its neighbourhoods are in the top 10 percent of England’s most deprived wards, according to the Index of Multiple Deprivation, and are within a four-mile radius of each other. In the summer we see huge numbers of beach goers. Our beaches and seas are often left strewn with rubbish. 

The Margate School is at the centre of this, on Margate High Street. We welcome everyone with our open door policy and we encourage discussions which will help tackle these issues.