APPROVAL has been given for a £25m academy to replace a secondary school near Dartford.

The Department for Children, Schools and Families has approved plans for a new mixed academy for 11 to 18-year-olds to replace Axton Chase School in Longfield.

It will specialise in science and creative arts and follows Leigh Technology Academy, in Green Street Green Road, Dartford, which opened in September last year.

The all-ability academy, which is yet to be named, will open in Axton Chase's existing premises in Main Road in September.

The school's 1,100 pupils will be automatically transferred but the building of new facilities, including a digital computer technology suite, will not begin until next year.

Headteacher 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.

"Specialising in science and the arts will provide a platform to offer the best learning opportunities for our students available in the 21st Century.

"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.

"We put in our application 18 months ago and the new status means we will have more funding to ensure we provide the best possible standard of education."

Kent County Council (KCC) cabinet member for education and skills, Councillor Mark Dance, said: "This latest academy builds the network of academies being created within Kent to nine.

"They serve areas of disadvantage, work with local schools, develop and share innovative learning practices and help to increase student motivation and performance."

Academies are managed by sponsors, often businesses or universities, and are independent of the local authority.

The new academy's sponsors include Leigh Technology Academy Trust, the University of Kent and KCC.