THE borough's worst housed school could get a new lease of life as a city academy.

Bexley Council is pressing on with a Government-funded feasibility study for the future of Westwood College, The Green, Welling, after getting a commitment to sponsorship for the project from the Harris Federation.

A public meeting will be held at the school at 7.30pm on March 25, in which parents and residents can find out more about the plans.

Proposals include 900 places for pupils aged 11 to 16, with a 250-place sixth form.

If approved, the college would reopen as the new Harris Westwood Academy from September this year.

This would be in the college's existing buildings while building work begins on-site to produce a completely new academy by 2011.

Parents and carers are being sent copies of the consultation, also available at bexley.gov.uk The closing date for comments is April 4.

The main school buildings require refurbishment works to renew electrics, improve the heating systems and upgrade various areas such as the toilets.

If the feasibility study and financial proposals are accepted by the council, a notice to formally close the college on August 31 will be made and there will be a further six-week consultation.

The Harris Federation of South London Schools is a six City Academy grouping sponsored by Lord Harris of Peckham.