Schools cash: wait and see

Nov 28 2008 by William Green, The Journal

£390m switch to two-tier education

NORTHUMBERLAND County Council’s massive £390m Putting The Learner First programme – which involves switching the county to a two-tier education system – has not so far qualified for any Building Schools for the Future funding.

Reorganisation plans for schools in Cramlington, Blyth and the Hirst area of Ashington are currently being progressed without the benefit of any BSF cash.

It has been claimed in the past that Northumberland will not receive any BSF funding until 2014.

Last night the county council said it has now submitted an ‘expression of interest’ to access £80m in BSF money from 2011/2012 onwards.

If the bid is successful, the resources would be used to help finance rebuilding or refurbishment plans at St Benet Biscop RC High School in Bedlington and at other schools in Bedlington and Ashington.