£78m cash package for five city schools

FIVE secondary schools in Plymouth are to undergo a revamp in a massive funding package from the Government.

Plymouth City Council learned yesterday that it is to get funding worth just under £80million to invest in city schools as part of the Building Schools for the Future Programme.

Council education chiefs said the initial 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.

The funding will also enable the city to continue its ambitious programme to "transform its schools, raise the aspirations of young people and put education at the heart of regenerating communities", said city council chiefs.

Cabinet member for children and young people Cllr Grant Monahan said: "I am delighted as it means that this funding will enable us to continue with our programme to create learning environments for the next generation of learners. It also shows that the Government has recognised the council's ability to deliver our goals."

The initial investment will be in the region of £78m and that could be followed by future investment for as much as £300m over the whole of the BSF programme.

Council director of children's services Bronwen Lacey said: "We had to prove we are ready, willing and able to deliver all our ambitious plans to provide Plymouth's children and young people and all our staff in our schools with the very best 21st century learning environments. We also needed to be satisfied that our strategy fits the city's ambitious growth agenda as well as creating strong and sustainable neighbourhoods."

Leader of the council Cllr Vivien Pengelly said: "It is fantastic for Plymouth's economy that we can now use this investment in our children and young people to make a difference for Plymouth's commercial, social and economic future."

Plymouth learned yesterday it is now one of 12 authorities new to BSF. Devon County Council was also given the green light. Tim Byles, chief executive of Partnerships for Schools, the organisation responsible for delivering the national BSF programme, said it was a "major milestone for the city of Plymouth".

Plymouth Sutton MP Linda Gilroy said: "Plymouth has some fantastic people working successfully to raise standards in education. Now they and their students will get the new facilities that they deserve."

Plymouth Devonport MP Alison Seabeck added: "This makes for a great Christmas present for the whole city."