A SECONDARY school in Rugby has been given government funding to improve its buildings.
Lawrence Sheriff School (LSS) has received a grant from the Condition Improvement Fund (CIF), a £450million pot of funding which is being shared among 684 schools and sixth-form colleges across England to replace heating systems, mend roofs and update electrical works, among other projects.
As with all schools receiving grants, the amount given to LSS has not been disclosed to protect its ability to obtain best value from contractors.
The funding forms part of a wider package of investment in programmes including the School Rebuilding Programme, which is rebuilding and refurbishing schools across the country, including those whose buildings contained dangerous reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) materials.
Rugby MP John Slinger said: “Parents across Rugby will remember the significant concern of the RAAC crisis, the fear that children were no longer safe in their own school.
“Labour is turning the page through our Plan for Change, fixing the foundations of our schools so local children are in a safe environment where the can achieve and thrive.
“With free breakfast clubs in places like Wolvey and Bulkington, free school meals and safer schools, Labour is setting children up for the best start in life.”
The programmes form part of the government’s 10-year plan to renew buildings across education, designed to ensure children learn in classrooms fit for purpose.
Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson said: “Parents expect their children to learn in a safe warm environment. It’s what children deserve.
“This investment is about more than just buildings – it’s about showing children that their education matters, their futures matter, and this government is determined to give them the best possible start in life.”
Schools Minister Josh MacAlister said the funding would help schools tackle urgent issues before they become bigger and more costly problems.
He added: “It is part of our longer-term plan to break the cycle of schools and colleges doing patch-and-mend repairs, by committing to unprecedented long-term funding to improve the school and college estate.”
The CIF programme is part of the government’s investment of over £2.1billion for this year to improve the condition of schools.
