SOME of the county’s most decrepit primary schools are being given the chance to be transformed after the government announced a £6.5million grant for rebuilding work.

Schools minister Jim Knight has announced Kent will be one of 23 education authorities participating in a pilot programme aimed at raising standards through creating outstanding purpose built, eco-friendly classrooms and facilities.

The government’s Primary Capital Programme will get underway in 2008 and the first phase will see £150million allocated to 23 areas.

Over 15 years, ministers have promised to spend £7billion rebuilding and improving facilities at 8,000 of England’s 18,000 primary and primary special schools.

Priorities for spending will include improving school kitchens and modernising sports, music and ICT facilities.

The programme is also aimed at helping councils develop schools so they can offer more after-hours childcare, support for parents and after- school activities.

Mr Knight said: “Kent has been chosen because of its strategic vision and track record in delivering high quality, innovative school buildings. It now has the chance to lead the way for every other local authority in England.”

He added: “Most primary schools are reaching the end of their design lives. They are over 25 years old and some 60 per cent were built between 1945 and 1976, often using rapid but poor-quality construction techniques.

"This is about moving from simply patching and mending these ageing buildings to having a strategic, joined up approach to planning and design.”