SKINNERS' Kent Academy's new £21.7 million building is set to open in September 2012.

The school confirmed the project was not one of those affected by the possible cancellation of the Government's Building Schools For the Future programme.

Two building groups, Willmott Dixon Construction and Bovis Lend Lease, have been shortlisted from a total of nine to carry out the work.

Over the next few months designs for the state-of-the-art building will be considered with the winning scheme announced in mid-October.

Academy principal Sian Carr said: "We are delighted with the progress that has been made to date and are really looking forward to delivering a wonderful new facility to our current and future students."

She added: "It's a very ambitious project but one which, with KCC's continued support, we are confident of delivering on time and to budget."