FOUR schools in north Kent will benefit from a multi-million pound investment by the government.

Plans to revamp Northfleet Technology College, Northfleet School for Girls,Gravesend’s St John’s Catholic Comprehensive and Thamesview School in Gravesend were given the green light on October 27.

Work began last week at the schools after a contractual and financial agreement was confirmed.

It is being undertaken through the Government’s Building Schools for the Future programme which aims to renew or rebuild every secondary school in England over a 10 to 15-year period.

Land Securities Trillium and IT specialist Northgate Information Solutions are completing the first phase of Kent’s Building Schools programme.

Three of the schools will get new buildings, which are due to be completed in 2010.

Northfleet School for Girls will get a refurbishment, which is due for completion early 2011.

The revamp will include a new business and enterprise centre with bright and spacious rooms.

The school will also provide facilities for students with physical, sensory or learning needs.

New state of the art computer equipment will also be installed in all of the schools.

Kent County Council (KCC) cabinet member for education operations, resources and skills Councillor Mark Dance said: “The Building Schools for the Future programme will see radical transformation of school buildings in the county.

“State-of-the-art technology, fantastic learning and teaching environments and unrivalled community facilities will have a huge impact on generations to come.”

Phase one is a £600m partnership between the county council, the two companies and Partnerships for Schools, which oversees the programme.

It will see the refurbishment or rebuilding of secondary schools in the Gravesham, Swale and Thanet districts by 2014.

The total cost of the programme is an estimated £1.8 billion.