Managers of a trust which runs two secondary schools in Maidstone are to consult on whether to apply to open a free school.

The Valley Invicta Academies Trust, which runs Invicta Grammar School and Valley Park School, both in Huntsman Lane, Maidstone, is considering submitting an application for a third secondary to combat a projected shortfall of places in the area.

The Maidstone School of Science and Technology would specialise in science, technology, engineering and maths, would be built on the same site.

If agreed, it would open in September 2017 and have an intake of 120 Year 7 students. Apart from the two secondaries, the trust also sponsors four primary schools.

In a statement, the trust said: “This would be a brand new school combining modern technology with specialist science laboratories, design studios and an entrepreneurial hub.

“VIAT is considering a centre of excellence in science and technology that will prove attractive to industry and develop a hub for increasing employment and career opportunities both within Kent and beyond.”

A free school is run by teachers, parents or religious groups. Maidstone currently has two free schools, Tiger Primary in Boughton Lane, Loose, and the Jubilee Primary School in Gatland Lane, which opened this month.

The Valley Invicta Academies Trust would like to hear local peoples’ views. To give yours, email info@MSST.viat.org.uk or you can go to the open evening on Wednesday, October 1, at 7.30pm at Valley Park School.

A final decision on whether to apply will be made at the end of the consultation period in early October.