Education cash delivered early
Jun 24 2008 by Adrian Pearson, The Journal
EDUCATION bosses in North Tyneside have been given the funds to start a school refurbishment programme two years earlier than expected.
The council was yesterday told it had received the go-ahead to take its share of a £625m improvement pot ahead of some other authorities.
The work means elected mayor John Harrison’s promise of providing world- class school facilities will now be delivered earlier for those schools most at need of repair.
Other schools will be rebuilt or modernised when more funds are made available in 2011. The cash is part of the Government’s Building Schools for the Future programme, a national series of improvements.
Mr Harrison said: “We are delighted to have been fast-tracked and given the opportunity to start work that will significantly transform the life chances of young people in the area, provide improved workplaces for teachers, and offer learning facilities for the wider community.
“These ambitious proposals will mean that learners in North Tyneside have access to world-class facilities that are fully equipped to provide the best opportunities for modern learning.
“In fast-tracking this funding, the Government has recognised that North Tyneside has the capacity and capability to deliver education transformation to enable first-class learning.”
The cash will complement North Tyneside’s current education plans, which include work just started on the £20.3m Monkseaton High School, set to open in autumn 2009. Council bosses want around £213m to help them build and refurbish schools between now and 2014.
High school investment worth around £186m would include a number of major developments, including new buildings for John Spence Community High, Longbenton Community College, Marden High School and Seaton Burn Community College.
Tim Byles, who runs the Government’s Partnerships for School scheme, said the council was one of eight which had their funding brought forward.
“North Tyneside has demonstrated to us that they have already been thinking carefully for their Building Schools for the Future projects, and how new and refurbished schools will transform the life chances of young people in the area, provide improved workplaces for teachers, and offer leisure and educational facilities for the wider community,” he said.
“We are therefore delighted to be able to bring forward North Tyneside’s entry into this once-in-a-lifetime programme.”
