"We are pleased to now begin this exciting project and we are sure the end results will be enjoyed for many generations to come. It is a transformational partnership and we are confident that working with Kent we will deliver first class results to help better educate the students."
The announcement represents the launch of a new £600 million public private partnership between KCC, Land Securities Trillium and Northgate Information Solutions and Partnerships for Schools (PfS) to refurbish or rebuild secondary schools and transform the delivery of education in the Gravesham, Swale and Thanet districts by 2014.
Land Securities Trillium and Northgate Information Solutions were chosen as Kent's preferred bidder after a stringent selection and scoring process in line with European Union procurement rules.
Paul Carter, Leader of the KCC, said: "This is an exciting time. The need to fundamentally re-design our secondary schools has never been greater. Today's learners have inherited yesterday's schools and although the world has changed dramatically, school buildings and organisations have largely stayed the same.
"We are entering into a partnership committed to transforming the way secondary education is delivered. Not only will it transform buildings, it will also make the curriculum more innovative and exciting."
Graham Badman, Managing Director of Children, Families and Education, said: "In partnership with Land Securities Trillium and Northgate Information Solutions, we aim to develop virtual and physical environments in which access to learning can occur anytime or anyplace and provide an education which is relevant to the needs of the contemporary learner as well as to the demands of the current and emerging economy.
"This is a once in a generation opportunity to invest in innovative solutions for future secondary school provision, challenging perceptions of what schools should offer and where they should be located. "
KCC will now form a Local Education Partnership (LEP) with Land Trillium and Northgate Information Solutions and PfS which will be the body responsible for delivering the first phase of Kent's ambitious BSF programme. The LEP will be a long-term partnership that undertakes to build or refurbish schools and maintain them properly over their lifetime.
Tim Byles, PfS Chief Executive, said: "We congratulate Kent on nominating their selected bidder, which is great news for the national BSF programme and even better news for the learners and communities of Kent. The new and improved buildings, facilities and technology will have an enormous impact on education and the life chances of every child in the area."
Kent County Council intends to establish two more LEPs to transform secondary education in Kent's remaining districts.
