SEVENOAKS MP Michael Fallon has vowed to secure funding for the new Knole Academy.

The project has been placed "under discussion" by the Government in its review of schools due for substantial building projects.

From September, the academy will operate on the former Wildernesse and Bradbourne sites, but parents were told a permanent new facility would be built in 2013.

Mr Fallon said: "I'm determined that the new build will go ahead.

"I've written to ministers at the Department of Education, and last week I discussed the Knole Academy twice with Michael Gove, the Secretary of State.

"He has assured me that the project will go ahead.

"What's important now is to restart the project meetings and get architects' plans finalised."

He added the building of the new academy on the Wildernesse site was "an integral part of the commitment to a new academy".

Kent county councillor Richard Parry also spoke optimistically, telling the Chronicle: "Having spoken to a number of individuals both in Kent and outside Kent, I am optimistic the project is alive and well."