by Angela Cole

acole@thekmgroup.co.uk

School bosses have been told they will receive £12.5 million of funding to build a new academy.

The proposed St Augustine’s Academy, for the Astor of Hever School site in Oakwood Park, Maidstone, was delayed last year after the government announced cutbacks in its Building Schools for the Future programme.

However, this week the Department of Education confirmed the funding had now been allocated to the project.

The academy is sponsored by Woodard Schools. chairman of the Woodard Academies Trust, Jan Richardson MBE, said: "We understand that we now have significant funds to invest in St Augustine at a time when funds for all capital projects are being sharply reduced.

"Woodard are committed to providing young people with the very best environment to grow and learn. This injection of funding enables us to do just that.

"We’re looking forward to working with Kent County Council and Partnership for Schools at this exciting design and planning stage."

Paul Carter, leader of Kent County Council said: "This is excellent news for St Augustine Academy, particularly in the current climate.

"Kent has a proven track record in providing value for money and we will work closely with the Woodard Academies Trust to deliver facilities that will be a source of pride for pupils, staff, parents and the local community."

Astor of Hever will open as the academy on September 1.