Willenhall pupils to benefit from Conditions Improvement Fund for Woodlands Academy
Sureena Brackenridge, MP for Wolverhampton North East which covers the schools, welcomes the additional funding, which she describes as “essential” for the maintenance of the school estate.
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The Government has announced the Conditions Improvement Fund to deliver public infrastructure improvements, including £1.2billion in funding for schools and hospitals across the country. The West Midlands is due to see £35.4million funding for its schools, with Woodlands Academy due to benefit from a share.
MP for Wolverhampton North East, Sureena Brackenridge, said: “Parents across Wolverhampton North East, whether they are in Wolverhampton or Willenhall, will remember the absolute fear of the RAAC crisis, the terror that their children might not be safe in their schools due to years of underfunding”
“I am proud to see that our Government is turning a page, and putting in place our Plan for Change, literally fixing the foundations of our schools so that local children are in a safe environment where they can achieve and thrive”
“I was thrilled to visit Woodlands Academy a while back, meeting the Head and the wonderful school community there. This is absolutely the kind of place which will benefit hugely from the funding, and I look forward to supporting the school wherever I can in this journey”
Sureena added
“And this is on top of our other changes for parents. With free breakfast clubs rolling our around the country, cheaper uniform costs, and now safer, cleaner, warmer, and better schools, I am absolutely confident that we are setting up our children for the best start in life!”
Discussing the announcement, Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, said: “The defining image of the school estate under the previous government was children sitting under steel props to stop crumbling concrete falling on their heads. It simply isn't good enough.”
“Parents expect their children to learn in a safe warm environment. It’s what children deserve, and it is what we are delivering.”
She continued: “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.”
The Government claims that this investment will deliver energy efficient, warm classrooms with safer outdoor space that are not fit for lessons, and fit for the future.
A further £1.4 billion will back the acceleration of the School Rebuilding Programme this year, with a commitment to kickstart projects at 100 schools this year alone, as Labour seeks to fix the foundations of our school estate.
Responding to the news, Sureena Brackenridge MP said: “Rejuvenating schools by delivering new, high-quality buildings that are not just energy efficient but fit for all pupils needs. This will provide high-tech facilities that will raise the standards of education through new sports halls, IT rooms, school kitchens and playgrounds that children and staff can enjoy for years to come”
According to the Government, these projects will be delivered during the 2025 to 2026 financial year, with the first upgrades expected to begin this summer.
