Schools revamp moves a step nearer

The £300 million plan to rebuild or revamp Wolverhampton's secondary schools took a step forward as contracts were formally exchanged.

Contracts have been finalised with the council's selected bidder, Inspired Spaces, and work will start in July with the rebuilding of Highfields Science Specialist School to allow it to share a site with Penn Fields School. The Kings C of E School is being remodelled to share a site with Tettenhall Wood Special School.

A further 22 schools will be rebuilt or refurbished by September 2014.

Simon Warren, chief executive of Wolverhampton City Council, said today achieving financial closure was a major milestone in the progress of the scheme. "This is good news for our learners, schools, communities and the city as a whole," he added.

Wolverhampton City Council joined the national BSF programme in late 2007.

Last month, the authority's programme was praised in an independent review for its vision and leadership.

The programme will be delivered in five phases: Bilston Academy, Wednesfield High, Braybrook and Coppice Performing Arts schools are all in the first phase of the scheme.

Phase two will include Deansfield High, Colton Hills and Moseley Park schools.

Heath Park, Aldersley High, Moreton, Our Lady and St Chad, North Academy, Smestow and Westcroft are in phase three.

Schools in phase four are New Park, Penn Hall, St Peters, St Edmunds, Wolverhampton Girls High, Midpoint and the Orchard.