Academy Services has been named as the preferred bidder on eight new schools for the London Borough of Waltham Forest under the Private Finance Initiative. It is a partnership between Kier Project Investment and Dexia Public Finance Bank.

Three of Kier's regional businesses will construct one secondary and seven primary schools in the region under a £50 million contract. Its m&e division, IEI, will undertake all m&e installations as part of a £8.5 million contract.

Architects Aedas and NPS will design the schools in consultation with school governors and heads.