Amanda Solloway has welcomed the announcement that Saint Benedict Catholic Voluntary Academy and Mickleover Primary School have been selected as two of the latest 239 schools that will be rebuilt or substantially refurbished as part of the fourth round of the Government’s School Rebuilding Programme.
Saint Benedict School in Derby is a secondary school rated good by OFSTED and has an excellent committed management team and teaching staff. Over the past six years, the school has been attempting to get new and improved facilities for their students, Amanda Solloway has been working closely with the school over the past two years and is delighted about the news.
Derby North MP Amanda Solloway said:
“This really is fantastic news for both schools here in Derby North - Saint Benedict’s and Mickleover Primary play such important roles in our communities. I couldn’t be more delighted to welcome this news at such a time.
“I’ve been a school governor now for early 20 year as I truly believe that education is fundamental to our society. The quality of facilities in schools can have a significant impact on a student’s learning and I have been working closely the key stakeholders at St Benedict’s and Government to secure investment in our schools to offer children the best opportunity to succeed.
“This investment will improve the experience of students across Derby – helping them to learn, develop, and achieve their full potential.”
Headteacher at Saint Benedict Catholic Voluntary Academy, Hazel Boyce said:
“It is just magical! I am delighted to hear such great news.”
CEO at St Ralph Sherwin Catholic Multi Academy Trust, Kevin Gritton said:
“I’ m delighted and I would like to thank Amanda for her continued support over the years.”
Education Secretary Gillian Keegan said:
“Education is a top priority for this Government. That is why, despite facing challenging economic circumstances, we are investing a record amount in our schools and colleges. Today’s announcement will transform hundreds of schools across the country and ensure they are fit for the future.
“The additional funding, alongside fantastic new facilities, will mean our brilliant teachers can get on with what they do best – and inspire the next generation.”
As well as delivering world-class learning environments for pupils, the School Rebuilding Programme will also create opportunities, jobs, and apprenticeships – from the construction industry to suppliers, businesses will be offering training as part of their involvement in the projects.
The programme will provide the funding to transform 500 schools across England, delivering on the Government’s commitment to level up opportunity around the country by giving every child access to the best classrooms, wherever they go to school.
The School Rebuilding Programme is backed by £1.8 billion of government funding this financial year, helping to rebuild and refurbish primary, secondary, and specialist schools, in addition to sixth form colleges around England.
The funding for both schools will help to deliver state of the art learning environments for pupils, such as new classrooms, science labs, sports halls, and dining halls.
Each school in the programme has been selected based on the condition of its buildings, making sure the greatest improvements are delivered for schools that need them the most and maximising children’s chances to gain the skills and knowledge they need.
The new buildings will be more energy efficient for future winter resilience, helping schools keep bills down and meeting our Net Zero commitments.
