BUILDERS have begun work on a new £25m building at a school in Longfield.

The building at Longfield Academy in Main Road will be divided into three areas known as “colleges”, each catering for 385 students.

A key part of the building’s reconstruction will be facilities for the academy’s 35 autistic pupils.

At the front of the academy will be a theatre, sports hall, art gallery, dance studio, restaurant and gym, as well as meeting rooms.

Frank Green, chief executive of the Leigh Academies Trust federation, which Longfield Academy belongs to, said: “After all the hard work that has gone into transforming education at Longfield during the past 18 months, it is most rewarding to see the commencement of the new building.”

Kent County Council’s cabinet member for children, families and education, Sarah Hohler, said: “I am delighted that work is underway on this new academy.

“When complete, students for generations to come will benefit from first class facilities and the best environment in which to learn.

“This will prepare them for further education, employment or training.”

Work is scheduled to last 84 weeks and due for completion in June 2011.