The University College for the Creative Arts is to co-sponsor Medway’s new academy in Strood.

The announcement was made by Medway Council’s Leader, Cllr Rodney Chambers, at Tuesday's cabinet meeting.

The £24 million academy will be formed from the merger of Chapter School for Girls and neighbouring Temple School for Boys in Strood.

Rochester-based University College will offer advice and support as well as providing progression routes for young people leaving the academy. The academy’s other co-sponsor is the council itself.

The academy will be built on the Chapter site, with Temple expected to be sold off for redevelopment. Lessons will continue on both sites until building work the new school is completed.

Medway Council's portfolio holder for Children’s Services Cllr Les Wicks said: “University College’s involvement with the new academy is great news for all involved.

"We already have a highly successful collaborative relationship with them and know that we can work effectively together.

“University College’s contribution will be to add a strong vocational element to students’ work at the academy, as well as encouraging them to continue their studies in higher education after leaving the academy.

“The university’s approach has always been that its graduates should express their talent in practical ways, enabling them to contribute to the UK’s artistic and commercial life and, crucially, to earn a living.

“It is for these reasons that I believe that University College can contribute greatly to the direction and governance of the academy and to the progress of its students.”

Dianne Taylor, head of the Rochester campus of University College, said: “This is a great opportunity for us and we’re delighted to be involved in the new academy.

"This really excites us as we believe that the influence of a university in schooling can have a positive impact on the futures of young people.

“We have already begun to see this in our joint work mediated through the council’s 14-19 Forum, on which UCCA is represented.”