Jane Stevenson, MP for Wolverhampton North East, has welcomed the announcement from Government that schools in Wolverhampton will benefit from funding to improve school facilities.
The city has been allocated its share of the £434 million investment from Government to expand classrooms, upgrade facilities and improve the education of children across the whole country.
This funding will ensure schools have well-maintained facilities to provide students with safe environments that support a high-quality education. It is part of the £1.4 billion of capital funding for 2020-21 announced in April, and is provided through the Condition Improvement Fund.
In Wolverhampton North East, Berrybrook Primary School will receive funding for mechanical works, and St Thomas’ and St Alban’s C of E Primary Academies will both receive funding for roofing works.
On top of this, the Prime Minister has also announced a new transformative 10-year school rebuilding programme. This will be kick-started with over £1 billion for the first 50 projects in 2020-21. This major new investment will ensure our schools and colleges can focus on teaching, with brand new buildings and better facilities so that every child gets the world-class education all our children deserve.
Schools across the country have played their part in responding to coronavirus, ensuring their doors remained open for the children of essential workers – who have kept the NHS, public services and economy going throughout this crisis.
The £1 billion package is on top of the £14 billion three-year funding settlement announced last year - recognising the additional work schools will need to do to help students to catch up.
Jane said: “Coronavirus has taken a toll on us all, not least our children, who have been kept from their friends, teachers and schools.
“As we gradually ease the lockdown, we must focus on getting our children back to school and ensure that schools have the facilities and classrooms they need to support the high quality education our children deserve.
“This funding for schools in Wolverhampton will help ensure that all children have the very best schools and education, enabling them to gain all the knowledge and skills they need for the future.”
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson MP said: “My number one focus will always be to make sure every student has access to excellent education and training.
“Replacing and upgrading poor condition school and college buildings with modern, energy efficient designs will give our students and teachers the environment they deserve, and support them to maximise their potential.
“As we look forward to all pupils returning to school in September, we can be assured that for years to come this country’s education system will drive opportunity and prosperity for all.”
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