Three compete for Kent Building Schools for the Future contract

Three bidders are at the top of the class for the first stage of Kent County Council's (KCC's) £1.8bn Building Schools for the Future programmes.

The three shortlisted bidders are Investors in the Community (LS Trillium/Mill Group/Northgate); Invicta Learning Partnership (John Laing Social Infrastructure/ Laing O'Rourke/Centerprise); and Skanska RM (Skanska/RM).

The £500m first phase will see the refurbishment and rebuilding of all secondary schools in Gravesham and Thanet. KCC leader Paul Carter said the shortlisting, like the project, was ahead of schedule.

In the same week KCC announced an additional £500m of funding from the Department of Education and Skills, for the renewal of all secondary schools in Dover, Shepway and Swale.