The Isle of Sheppey Academy

Two Kent academies are sharing a whopping £68m windfall.

The Isle of Sheppey Academy has been given government approval for £54m to build two state-of-the-art buildings on the east and west of the island.

It's said the facilities would be the best in the world at the academy, which specialises in business, enterprise and sport.

They will include a media suite, drama and dance facilities, performance hall, sports hall and outdoor sporting facilities, as well as a vocational centre.

Building work at the sites, sponsored by Dulwich College and the Diocese of Canterbury, is due to start next month.

The academy's chairman of governors, Baroness Floella Benjamin, said: "This is fantastic news for the young people of Sheppey and will help us as we seek to transform education for generations to come."

Cash is also coming to Canterbury - where a £14m ultra-modern Spires Academy will be built.

Sponsored by Holiday Extras, Crown Products and KCC, the building will house first class facilities for the arts, business and sport, built around a central hub.

An artist's impression of the Spires Academy

The hub will offer the academy a stunning, purpose-built space in which to showcase its specialism of visual creative and performing arts, as well as supporting its expertise in business and enterprise.

Its leisure facilities will include a sports hall, five large pitches, a running track and a multi-use games area.

Spires Academy leader, Helen Foster, said: "This is an exciting time for the Spires Academy and local community as we enter the next stage of our transformation.

"Our goal has always been to offer the highest quality education, care and teaching to motivate students to learn and enhance their life chances. Our new facilities will enable us to fully achieve this in a fantastic, tailored setting."

KCC leader Paul Carter said: "I am delighted that Kent has secured £68million of government funding for these two academies.

"This is a real investment in the future of young people in Canterbury and Sheppey for generations to come."

The Spires Academy is due to open in its new buildings in September 2012 and Isle of Sheppey Academy in February 2013.