Work to revamp five Plymouth schools will start in spring
WORK on revamping five schools in Plymouth using Building Schools for the Future cash will begin between January and March next year, according to Schools Minister Vernon Coaker.
Mr Coaker answered a question from Plymouth Devonport MP Alison Seabeck in the House of Commons following the announcement that the city is to get about £78 million in funding from the Government under the BSF programme.
Ms Seabeck asked when Mr Coaker believed work will begin 'on the ground'.
He replied: "We expect the plans between January and March next year, and that building will start soon afterwards."
Council education chiefs said this week that the initial BSF investment would be used for five secondary schools to support major refurbishments planned for Tamarside and John Kitto community colleges as part of their move to academy status.
The funding will also be used, they said, to refurbish Lipson Community College, together with an investment in computing at Wood View Learning Community – and a new secondary school for Devonport to replace Stoke Damerel Community College.
Plymouth Sutton MP Linda Gilroy also asked Mr Coaker 'what impact he hopes it will have on raising standards' at schools such as Stoke Damerel and Lipson.
Mr Coaker said: "When I went to Plymouth, I saw that one of the reasons why Plymouth has been successful with its bid is that it has clearly identified that the new school buildings will be a means by which it can continue to improve on the already excellent standards in its area."
Mr Coaker congratulated the two Labour MPs on their work campaigning for Plymouth's BSF bid.
Steve Baker, headteacher at Lipson Community College, said today that the investment 'is critical if we are to keep pace with the rest of the world'.
He said: "These newly designed schools will be at the cutting edge. We are already working with students and consultants in the design process.
"All credit to Linda Gilroy, who has lobbied incessantly to bring this investment to Plymouth."
3 Comments
by P. G., Plymouth
Tuesday, December 08 2009, 5:18PM
“What about doing something for the primary schools where children are still being taught in totally inadequate huts? Freezing cold in the winter, boiling hot in the summer, smelling because of damp. In this era of supposed inclusion and equality, it certainly doesn't happen in primary education with this council.”
by C, Ham, Plymouth
Thursday, December 03 2009, 9:58AM
“Anyone remember Southway Community College? They demolished a block of classrooms, built a flashy new entrance only to be closed down a year later!
The council are going to refurbish Tamarside and John Kitto, rebuild the schools in 2011/12 and demolish the *refurbished* buildings.
Tamarside has stood for 21 years - another 2 won't hurt! How many *mini-refurbishments* have they had to complete due to arson, vandalism and thuggery? I counted 5 in my time there in the late 90s.
Waste of money.”
by PJ, Plympton
Tuesday, December 01 2009, 9:59PM
“What happened to the £6M that was "promised" to another Plymouth school???
Funny how this story is all about the wonderful work of the MPs, whereas our school funding discussions usually have to go through the local council... Election coming up??”