Children could be going to a new free school in Strood by September 2019, it has been revealed.

The Maritime Academy will admit pupils from Reception to Year 13 and bosses hope it will bridge the gap between primary, secondary and sixth-form education, to help pupils transition easier.

The school was given the go-ahead by education minister Justine Greening last month as the government announced the latest round of successful applicants for free schools in England.

The school will be part of the Thinking Schools Academy Trust (TSAT) and is hoped to help address the increasing demand for more school places across Medway.

School bosses hope the academy will open in September 2019, pending confirmation of the site in Strood.

Stuart Gardner, TSAT chief executive, said: “We are delighted to receive the official seal of approval for the Maritime Academy, for which there is a groundswell of support in Medway.

“We have been working hard with our staff and partners ahead of the scheduled opening of the school, which will be a significant milestone adding to our established offer in the area.

“We are extraordinarily proud of our track record in delivering primary and secondary education of the highest quality for children and very much look forward to the next chapter.”

Peter Martin, trust chairman, said: “Approval for the Maritime Academy is testament to the success of our trust’s model of education, which teaches our students to think independently, strive for personal excellence and grow into confident adults equipped to realise their full potential.

“Our innovative model of an all-through school with a grammar stream is designed to cater to the particular strengths of all pupils, while retaining an inclusive approach to education supported by our other selective and comprehensive schools.

“We are looking forward to opening the doors of the Maritime Academy to its first students.”

Medway Academy, the Rochester Riverside Church of England Primary School and the Beeches Primary have also been given the go-ahead by government.