Term begins with six new starters
More than 1,600 classroom places created
Six new schools will open in Kent, including three in Maidstone, as pupils return to classrooms for the new term.
One getting ready to welcome its first ever cohort on Tuesday is The School of Science and Technology, part of the Valley Invicta Academy Trust.
The school on New Cut Road, which specialises in STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) has 11 science labs and six computer studies suites - but also boasts specialist music, drama and design technology provision.
The launch offers 1,200 places and will partner with the School of Science and Technology in Singapore.
Julie Derrick, CEO of the Valley Invicta Academies Trust said: “We are very proud to at long last open our brand new School of Science and Technology Maidstone.
“This fantastic, state-of-theart new secondary school will be open to 192 Year 7 students and will offer a specialist curriculum for those students with a real flair for STEM subjects. “We are very lucky to have the support of our strategic partner, SST Singapore, in developing an innovative, skills-based curriculum to prepare students for the 21st century.
“Our aim is for SST Maidstone students to leave school with a combination of excellent exam results and a unique STEMbased skill set.”
Another school opening is Bearsted Primary Academy in Weavering, which will offer 420 places, a nursery, as well as a breakfast club.
The school will hold transition events on Monday and Tuesday while the official opening will follow on Wednesday. Construction of the school on Popesfield Way was approved in April last year despite more than 700 letters of objection. Adjoining that will be the Snowfields Academy.
The secondary specialises in teaching pupils aged 11-18 with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD.
Also opening its doors for the first time will be Springhead Park Primary School in Northfleet, Aspire School in Sittingbourne and Ebbsfleet Green Primary which will be welcoming pupils into nursery, Reception, Year 1 and Year 2.