Parents of pupils at Thamesmead Community College (TCC) have heard from the sponsor who hopes to transform the school.

Property developer David Garrard met parents at a meeting to discuss plans to turn TCC into a business academy by September next year.

The £10m project, financed partly by Mr Garrard and the Government, includes new school buildings designed by world-renowned architect Sir Norman Foster.

Mr Garrard said: “I want the children who are to attend the Bexley Business Academy to have the best facilities and the best tuition and the best quality of any children in the UK. I want a sense of pride, accomplishment, team spirit and protection for one another and the community to emerge here.

“This academy represents, for me, the most exciting and challenging experience of my life.”

He also spoke about his plans for the new academy, which will take pupils from age 11 to 18. These include regular visits from leaders of commerce and industry, and relationships with local and national businesses, to help the academy to generate its own funds.

It will be an early start at the new academy, with lessons followed by breakfast, then more lessons. The project is being managed by the private company 3E's which has already set up three other successful schools.

The school will be from 7am until 10pm and it will not offer A-levels to its sixth formers. Instead, pupils will sit the International Baccalaureate or GNVQs.

3E's will be opening an office in Thamesmead in July where parents and current pupils will be able to get information and ask questions.

Copies of the public consultation document are available from the Thamesmead Centre, in Yarnton Way, and from Bexley's education department at Hill View, in Welling. Comments have to be received by July 16.