Stuart has today welcomed the announcement that St. Mary's Menston has been selected as one 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.
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 St. Mary's Menston will help to deliver state of the art learning environments for pupils, such as new classrooms, science labs, sports halls, and dining halls. The majority of the projects are set to be completed in three to five years.
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.
Selected schools include primary, secondary, special schools, and 16-19 institutions.
Construction of new buildings at some of the previously announced schools is already underway, with a number of projects almost completed.
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.
Stuart said:
“The quality of facilities in schools can have a significant impact on a student’s learning and I have been working closely with the Government to secure investment in our schools to offer children the best opportunity to succeed.
I welcome the news that St Mary's Menston will benefit from the latest round of the School Rebuilding Programme. This investment will improve the experience of students, helping them to learn, develop, and achieve their full potential.
I was also very pleased that the Minister for Schools took the time to visit Guiseley School this week to see the fantastic work that has been done, and continues to be done, under the predecessor rebuilding programme.
With over half of the successful schools being in the Midlands and North, I am delighted we are levelling up education across England and I will continue to make the case for schools in my constituency."