£7m is to be ploughed into school makeovers

More than £7 million is to be ploughed into refurbishing and renovating schools across one Black Country borough in the next 12 months.

Education bosses in Walsall will invest the cash over the next financial year.

The annual pot is lower than last year but council chiefs says this is due to more schools going independent and becoming academies.

A hit list of schools requiring immediate works has been drawn up by the council, with the decision-making cabinet expected to approve the schemes next week.

Money towards the education capital programme comes from Government grants, contributions from developers in the borough and capital receipts.

A total of £7,200,207 is earmarked for investment in 2012/13, which compares to £9,359,687 in the previous financial year.

The higher-priority work includes £300,000 on roofing and electrical work at Pheasey Park Farm Primary and £150,000 on heating and hot water installation at Bloxwich CE Primary.

Other immediate projects are for £300,000 to be spent remodelling St Thomas of Canterbury Catholic Primary in Dartmouth Avenue.

Education boss Councillor Rachel Andrew said: "In order to support the raising of educational attainment and achievement, these projects will provide improved learning environments for Walsall pupils and are part of the continued and significant investment in the buildings of Walsall.

"In 2012/13, the total capital funding for investment at schools in Walsall is £7,200,207. This figure is below the allocation in 2011/12 but the figure is reduced primarily as a result of the number changing status to become academies."