Two new primary schools are to be built in East Sussex, thanks to a successful bid by the county council for Government money.

Under the funding arrangements, both new schools, one in Hailsham and one in Newhaven, will be academies.

As part of East Sussex County Council’s planning for additional primary school places in the county it applied to the Government’s Education Funding Agency for extra funding in April. The Department for Education has now announced that the county council will receive money towards the two new schools.

Councillor Nick Bennett, Lead Member for Schools and Learning Effectiveness, said:

“I am delighted that we have been successful in securing funding towards these new schools. It will be a real boost for both towns.

“The schools will not only help us to ensure we have enough school places, but also ensure pupils have access to state-of-the-art classrooms and equipment.

“The county council has a duty to ensure there are sufficient school places and by working in collaboration with schools, the Government and other stakeholders, we will ensure our children have a first class learning experience.”

The county council will now invite bids from potential sponsors to run the new schools and the Department for Education will confirm the sponsors and the funding allocation in December 2013. The new schools are scheduled to open in September 2015.