THE principal of Skinners' Kent Academy admitted she was "concerned" about the future of plans for a £21.7-million building after the Government scrapped a major school investment programme.

The school in Blackhurst Lane is now on a list of projects to be reviewed on a "school by school basis" after the announcement Building Schools For The Future would be stopped.

Under the new guidelines, schools which have been rebuilt or are under construction will be completed while others have been shelved.

But Skinners', like other academy projects, has been classified as "for discussion".

Along with 122 other academies nationally, it must make its case to a review panel.

The school's principal Sian Carr said: "Although we are naturally concerned about what might happen in the future, and it is true that our plans are currently subject to review, they have in no way been blocked or cancelled."

Ms Carr said the school's plans were "well advanced" compared to most others, which she hoped would strengthen its case.

"We are confident of the robustness of our financial case," she added.

"Needless to say, we hope for a positive resolution in the near future, so that our committed timetable for opening the new building in September 2010 can stay on track."

Spokesman for the Department for Education, Charlotte Redman, could not confirm if this would work in its favour.

But she added: "There is likely to be a panel of five people and they will produce an interim report by the end of August."

A fortnight ago, the school, formerly Tunbridge Wells High School, announced two building groups, Willmott Dixon Construction and Bovis Lend Lease, had been shortlisted from a total of nine to carry out the work.

The winning design scheme was due to be announced in mid-October.

Following the Government's announcement, Kent County Council leader Paul Carter pledged to ensure Kent received "as much as possible from a more limited capital programme to improve school facilities across the county".

Mr Carter said: "We stand ready to offer any assistance to the Government's review panel."