Tuesday is the last chance to see radical designs for the overhaul of Kent schools in a £2billion project giving a much-needed boost to the construction industry.

A special exhibition about the Building Schools for the Future project is being held at County Hall, Maidstone.

BSF is a £45billion nationwide project due to be tackled over the next 15 years, with around £1.8billion due to be spent in Kent, although there are fears the timetable may be delayed by the financial crisis.

The first phase is under way, with 10 secondary schools - Charles Dickens, Broadstairs; Community College Whitstable; Dane Court Grammar, Broadstairs; Herne Bay High; King Ethelbert, Birchington; Northfleet School for Girls; Northfleet Technology College; St George’s CE Foundation, Broadstairs; St John’s Catholic Comprehensive, Gravesend; Thamesview, Gravesend - and one special needs school (Ifield) already surrounded by cranes and construction teams.

John Stanley, head of St John’s, said: "It’s our opportunity to totally transform learning."

Claire Owen, head teacher at Herne Bay High, said better buildings made a difference to pupils. encouraging a sense of pride in the school that was reflected in quality work and increased self-esteem.

She said: "We are working very closely with the construction team to try and exnsure the vision for learning can be realised. Ultimately, the children will benefit."

Herne Bay High is being rebuilt by Canterbury-based Provian Construction, one of four firms - the others being Willmott Dixon, Kier and Verry - involved in the first phase.

Provian’s managing director Roger Maycock said that the work was welcome for firms in a sector hit by the downturn. But the industry would be ready to "spring forward when things pick up".

"We are very excited about being involved in BSF. This is another opportunity to be with Kent and developing young people."

Cllr Mark Dance, Kent County Council’s Cabinet member for education, said: "The new partnership is committed to transforming the way secondary education is deliverd in Gravesham, Thanet and Swale.

"Not only will it transform buildings, it will also make the curriculum more innovative and exciting and imporve young people’s access to education, training and employment."

The BSF exhibition is open unti 4pm at Sessions House Gallery, County Hall, Maidstone.