Provision of new schools
We are commissioning new schools to accommodate an increase in pupil numbers in Kent.
Statutory guidance requires us to seek proposals to establish a free school where we have identified the need for a new school in Kent.
Further information about free schools is available from the New Schools Network.
Sponsoring a free school
If you are considering sponsoring a free school, please email school.consultations@kent.gov.uk or contact the local Area Education Officer:
- South Kent (Ashford, Dover, Folkestone and Hythe, Tunbridge Wells): David Adams, email david.adams@kent.gov.uk
- East Kent (Canterbury, Maidstone Swale and Thanet): Marisa White, email marisa.white@kent.gov.uk
- North Kent (Sevenoaks, Dartford and Gravesham, Tonbridge and Malling): Ian Watts, email ian.watts@kent.gov.uk
Read more advice about sponsoring an academy.
Information for proposers
Read information relating to your area of Kent:
We are commissioning a new 2 FE primary school in Ebbsfleet Green, Dartford
Our Commissioning Plan for Education Provision in Kent 2018-2022 is key to achieving our aims and identifies the need for new school provision across Kent. One such need is a new 2 FE primary school with a 26 FTE place nursery within Ebbsfleet Green, Dartford, for September 2020. Therefore, under section 6A of the Education and Inspections Act 2006 (the ‘free school presumption’) we are seeking sponsors to establish a free school at Ebbsfleet Green.
We are proposing that the school contains a specialist provision for pupils with Autism Spectrum Disorder. This could be via a satellite unit of a local Special School on the new school site. The alternative is for the sponsor to operate a specialist resourced provision within the school. We would be interested in sponsor’s views about this.
The expressions of interest form (DOCX, 14.8 KB) must be received no later than 12pm, 28 September 2018 and full applications (DOCX, 60.2 KB) must be received no later than 12pm, 19 October 2018.
Email the application form to school.consultations@kent.gov.uk for the attention of Ian Watts, Area Education Officer (North Kent).
Documents
There are currently no provisions of new schools in South Kent.
The Department of Education (DfE) has approved our application for a new Special Free School, on the Isle of Sheppey.
The school, which is due to open by September 2022, will provide 120 places for children and young people aged 11-16 who have social, emotional and mental health difficulties (SEMH) with autism spectrum conditions or social communication difficulties. The new school will help to reduce the number of children having to travel off the Isle of Sheppey to schools across Kent.
We are holding a competition on behalf of the DfE to secure a high-quality education provider to run the school.
Documents
- application forms and guidance notes
- service specification for the proposed new school (PDF, 252.0 KB)
We will also be holding a stakeholder event to provide potential sponsors with additional background information. This will take place 9:30am till 11:30am on Monday 29 April 2019, at Oakwood House, Maidstone in the Verandah Room.
To book a place please email EKareaeducation@kent.gov.uk or call 03000 41 87 94.