MP pressing for funding to build two new schools
MP Helen Whately is hopeful two new schools for Maidstone will be among those announced by the government.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer committed £ 320 million for 140 new free schools in the Budget, with the next wave to be revealed around Easter.
Mrs Whately has pressed schools minister Nick Gibb to put some of that money towards a new primary and a new special school for the County Town.
The Faversham and Mid Kent MP explained primaries in Maidstone were full, and children could miss out on suitable school places unless a new school is open by 2018.
It follows concerns children with disabilities and special needs are having to make long journeys every day to get to school, as places are so scarce.
Mrs Whately has been assured the Education Funding Agency (EFA) is making progress on meeting the need for new schools locally, including earmarking a potential site at the Kent Medical Campus on land next to Newnham Court shopping village.
Work has already begun on a private hospital at the 30-acre site, which will provide 98,000 sq m of accommodation for medical and life-science companies.
Mrs Whately said: “Maidstone needs a new primary and a new special school ready for the start of the new school year in September 2018.
“At the moment, primary schools in the borough are full and some children are facing long journeys across town every day.
“I have been contacted by a family in Maidstone whose child has special needs and was offered a place at a school in Dover, as that was the nearest available.
“Life is tough enough for children with special needs, and their families, without having to make a long journey like that every day.
“I’m confident the message has been heard.
“With a site already earmarked and a new wave of free schools due to be announced any minute, I’m hopeful parents will get some peace of mind soon.”
Valley Invicta Academies Trust in February unveiled plans for a new secondary school catering for 1,200 pupils on land near Vinters Park.