Councillor Thomas Turrell has welcomed over news that Hayes Primary School and Wickham Common Primary School are to receive a share of £450 million in extra funding from the Conservative Government to upgrade school buildings. In addition to the Schools in Hayes & Coney Hall schools in West Wickham; Oak Lodge Primary School and Glebe School are also set to benefit from the fund.
Across the country 859 academies, sixth-form colleges and voluntary aided schools will receive a share of £456 million from the Condition Improvement Fund, with over 1,000 projects selected. This new investment will upgrade and improve school and college facilities, providing pupils with safer and warmer classrooms, and more energy efficient school buildings.
The Conservative Government announced £1.8 billion of capital funding for the financial year 2023-24 to improve the condition of school buildings – including £1.1 billion for local authorities, large multi-academy trusts and voluntary aided bodies. The announcement follows on from the 239 new school buildings confirmed in December as part of the Schools Rebuilding Programme, with 400 out of 500 schools and sixth form colleges now selected for rebuilds through the ten-year programme.
Commenting, Thomas said:
“It is great news that this fund has been set up and that so many local schools will benefit, including Hayes Primary School, Oak Lodge Primary School, Wickham Common Primary School and, Glebe School in the Hayes, Coney Hall and West Wickham areas. Our education system is world-leading but we must continue to invest in safe, warm and energy efficient classrooms so children can learn effectively and be given the tools to succeed. Every school should have access to high-quality facilities and our investment will deliver this so pupil can develop the skills they need for their careers.”
