Boost for Teesside schools as eleven secure Government funding to improve facilities

Eleven schools across Teesside have secured funding for vital building improvements through the Government’s Condition Improvement Fund.

Viewley Hill Academy, in Hemlington, and Green Lane Primary Academy, in Acklam, are among the schools which received the good news today.

Viewley Hill plan to use the money to renew a roof on their Andover Way site while Green Lane Primary will be extending the school’s hall, something which co-head teacher Jackie Walsh said will have a “huge” impact on the school curriculum.

“We are delighted to hear the news that we have been accepted for funding. Our hall has never been big enough for the amount of pupils we have, so an extended hall will mean it won’t take as long to serve pupils at lunch time. This will make a tremendous difference to our curriculum as time will no longer be wasted.”

Sites in Stockton, including Thornaby Academy, Abbey Hill Acadmey, and Saint Bede’s Catholic Academy are also set to benefit from the funding.

Stockton Sixth Form College are now set to upgrade external draining channels and reposition fencing on the grounds. to allow students easy access to the outdoor space.

Principal Joanna Bailey, said: “We are thrilled to have received monies to make improvements to key aspects of our college buildings.

“We have made significant strides in recent years to enhance the quality of our college accommodation and, thanks to grants made available by the government, have been able to invest in ensuring students have the best possible teaching and learning environment.

“We look forward to seeing these important changes being made in the coming months.”

In Redcar, Saint Gabriel’s Catholic Primary School plan to use the money for a rood replacement, while Saint Peter’s Catholic College of Maths and Computing will carry out refurbishments including an extended dining hall.

Saint Paulinus Catholic Primary School, St Mary’s RC Primary School and Saint Bede’s Catholic Primary have also been granted funds for refurbishments.

Forty academies and sixth-form colleges across the North-east will receive a share of £46million in 2015-16 for such school building improvements and expansion projects.

Nunthorpe Academy was the only school to miss out on the bid, which they had planned to use to complete essential hardwire repairs.

Schools Minister David Laws said: “To create a stronger economy and a fairer society it is crucial that we invest in education, so that every child has a fair start in life.

“Since 2010 the government has invested more than £18 billion in school buildings, and we recently announced a further £6 billion to help drive-up school building standards across the country in the coming years.

“Thanks to Condition Improvement Fund thousands more pupils and their teachers across England will benefit from safe, high-quality classrooms.”