Go-ahead for Medway and Kent academies welcomed

Medway's three academies and two more in Kent have been given the go-ahead

A Kent council has welcomed a government ruling that the rebuilding of three academies can go ahead.

Medway Council's Brompton, Strood and Bishop of Rochester academies were told on Friday they would get funding for their planned new buildings.

It comes a month after the government scrapped the England-wide Building Schools for the Future scheme.

Two of Kent County Council's academies, Isle of Sheppey and Skinners, in Tunbridge Wells, will also go ahead.

Medway councillor Les Wicks said it was great news for children and young people.

'Significant benefits'

"Our three academies are part of the council's work to provide the best opportunities for our children and help improve educational standards in Medway.

"The new academies will also bring significant benefits to their local areas, providing excellent community facilities in inspiring buildings.

"I would like to congratulate everyone who has worked hard to secure this funding and look forward to continuing to work together in the future."

Strood Academy opened in September 2009 following the closure of Chapter School and Temple School.

Worst-hit

Bishop of Rochester will open in September following the closure of Medway Community College and Chatham South School this month.

Brompton Academy will also open in September following the closure of New Brompton College.

Kent County Council's schools rebuilding programme was among the worst hit by the scrapping of Building Schools for the Future, with 40 being halted.

Decisions on whether the rebuilding of six other academies can go ahead have been delayed until the results of the government's spending review are announced in the autumn.

They are Dover Christ Church Academy, St Augustine Academy, The Duke of York's Royal Military School, John Wallis Academy, The Knole Academy and Wilmington Enterprise College.