A Kent school will add scores of new pupils to its ranks in a bid to combat increased demand and population growth in the area.

Bosses at Dartford Borough Council (DBC) say a multimillion-pound project is now underway to extend the Sir Geoffrey Leigh Academy.

The move will allow the school, in Green Street Green Road, to create a new standalone sixth form block and additional teaching accommodation.

DBC says the investment will allow an 300 extra pupils to join the school by enabling it to grow from eight forms of entry per year to 10.

It currently has about 1,350 pupils on its books aged 11 to 19.

Work on the school, which is part of the Leigh Academies Trust, will cost about £10.7 million.

While DBC has approved £4.5 million from its Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) fund, Kent County Council (KCC) and the academy’s governing body has secured £6.2 million.

KCC says it has also agreed to cover any increase in future costs of the project.

DBC says works are already underway ahead of an estimated completion date of Easter 2027.

Leader Jeremy Kite said: "Our corporate plan specifically highlights our commitment to investing in young people’s skills and opportunities, strengthening education infrastructure, and supporting our thriving communities.

“[This] is why projects like this, and the work we’re doing with the health service, are so important to the council. I am proud that we can help in ensuring more of our local children have access to a fantastic education.”

DBC says the expansion was flagged as a priority in Dartford’s Infrastructure Delivery Plan.

Bosses add it meets the eligibility and prioritisation criteria for strategic infrastructure funding.