Saqib Bhatti’s, MP for Meriden, campaign to secure funding for Arden Academy has succeeded with the announcement that it has been selected as one of the latest 239 schools that will be rebuilt or substantially refurbished as part of the fourth round of the Conservative Government’s School Rebuilding Programme.
The programme will provide the funding to transform 500 schools across England, delivering on the Government’s commitment to level up opportunity around the country by giving every child access to the best classrooms, wherever they go to school.
The School Rebuilding Programme is backed by £1.8 billion of government funding this financial year, helping to rebuild and refurbish primary, secondary, and specialist schools, in addition to sixth form colleges around England.
The funding for Arden Academy will help to deliver state of the art learning environments for pupils, such as new classrooms, science labs, sports halls, and dining halls. The majority of the projects are set to be completed in three to five years.
Each school in the programme has been selected based on the condition of its buildings, making sure the greatest improvements are delivered for schools that need them the most and maximising children’s chances to gain the skills and knowledge they need.
The new buildings will be more energy efficient for future winter resilience, helping schools keep bills down and meeting our Net Zero commitments.
Selected schools include primary, secondary, special schools, and 16-19 institutions, with over half of the successful schools in the Midlands and North, levelling up education across England.
Construction of new buildings at some of the previously announced schools is already underway, with a number of projects almost completed.
As well as delivering world-class learning environments for pupils, the School Rebuilding Programme will also create opportunities, jobs, and apprenticeships – from the construction industry to suppliers, businesses will be offering training as part of their involvement in the projects.
Commenting on the investment, Saqib said:
“I’m pleased my campaign to secure funding for Arden School has been successful. Arden is one of the most successful schools in my constituency and the country, despite the majority of its buildings having been built pre-1958 and it accommodating three times as many pupils as was originally intended.”
“That is why I welcome the news that Arden will benefit from the latest round of the School Rebuilding Programme, backed by £1.8 billion in 2022–23, to rebuild and refurbish 239 more schools across the country, including updating and modernising buildings by creating state of the art sports halls, music rooms, science labs, and dining areas.”
“This investment will improve the experience of students across the country – helping them to learn, develop, and achieve their full potential.”
Commenting, Education Secretary Gillian Keegan said:
“Education is a top priority for this Government. That is why, despite facing challenging economic circumstances, we are investing a record amount in our schools and colleges. Today’s announcement will transform hundreds of schools across the country and ensure they are fit for the future.
“The additional funding, alongside fantastic new facilities, will mean our brilliant teachers can get on with what they do best – and inspire the next generation.”
