Willmott Dixon was one of 12 firms bidding for the contract through Partnerships for Schools’ national Contractors’ Framework and beat Bovis Lend Lease in the final round of bidding.

Construction will begin early next year and is  scheduled to complete in late 2012.

Leader of Kent County Council Paul Carter said: “The news represents a timely boost for the Kent economy, particularly with Willmott Dixon’s commitment to use local suppliers where possible, source 75% of the workforce locally and provide local skills training and apprenticeship opportunities.”

Principal Sian Carr said, “Since opening as an academy in September 2009, we have already made substantial progress in raising attainment levels and this has been achieved in buildings that challenged rather than supported teaching and learning.

“The new facilities will enable the Academy to provide the highest quality 21^st century education for its pupils and raise aspirations in the local community to provide educational, social and economic benefits for all.”

Jonathan Payne, deputy managing director for Willmott Dixon in the Eastern Home Counties said, “We are extremely delighted to have been selected as the preferred bidder for The Skinners’ Kent Academy.

“Both Kent County Council and the Academy have set some challenging targets and we have the commitment and dedication to ensure the new buildings will be a source of pride for both The Skinners’ Kent Academy and the community of Tunbridge Wells.”