School to become new £25m academy

Axton Chase School specialises in science and the arts

The government has approved plans to build a new £25m academy in Kent to replace an existing 11-18 school.

The new all-ability science and arts academy will be built on the site of Axton Chase School, Longfield with the school's current pupils transferring.

The new academy will open in September 2008, with the building of new facilities starting in 2009.

The new building will have the latest digital computer technology, with learning geared to individual students.

'Further improve'

Kent County Council received approval for its plans from the Department for Children, Schools and Families on Thursday.

Head teacher of Axton Chase, Kevin Stokes, said: "I am delighted that, in becoming an academy, Axton Chase will be able to further improve upon the many strengths identified in our recent Ofsted report.

"I very much look forward to working with our existing school, university and business partners to develop greater educational provision for young people in the Dartford area."

The new academy will be federated with neighbouring Leigh Technology Academy, created from Leigh Technology College in September 2007.