The Council is delighted to learn Stopsley High School is one of 261 schools to be receiving funding for rebuilding and renovation works from the Government’s Priority School Building Programme (PSBP).
PSBP replaces the Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme which was abruptly stopped by the Government in July 2010 within seven weeks of construction works starting on Stopsley High School.
Cllr Waheed Akbar, portfolio holder for children’s services said: “We are pleased the Government has recognised the need to invest in Stopsley High School. We believe this news justifies the Council's decision in 2010, when along with other councils we launched a judicial review against the education secretary’s decision to withdraw the BSF programme.
“This is good news for the school’s pupils, the school itself and the town, particularly as Stopsley High School was rated as ‘good’ with outstanding features in a recent Ofsted inspection. We are looking forward to hearing more details from the Government about the funding so we can work closely with the school to move forward as soon as possible.”
The criteria for applications for grants from local authorities were very strict. A qualified surveyor was also appointed by the Government to visit Stopsley High to verify the condition of the buildings. Fewer than half of those who applied have been successful, with the Government citing only schools in the worst conditions qualified for funding.
Karen Johns, Acting Headteacher said: “The withdrawal of the BSF programme was a devastating blow to us. We are delighted the needs of the school have been recognised and this new funding will be of enormous benefit to our students and community.”
The Government has confirmed officials from the Education Funding Agency will be contacting the Council within the next two weeks to indicate when work will start.
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