Cumbrian schools are set to have a major revamp thanks to Government cash.
Cockermouth School, Ullswater Community College in Penrith and Samuel King’s School in Alston are among the 239 announced by Whitehall as the latest to benefit from its 10-year Schools Rebuilding Programme.
Cockermouth School headteacher Richard King said: “We are absolutely delighted to learn that our ambition for a new school building will finally be realised.
“Students, staff and trustees have been longing for improved facilities that can support our ambitions to provide the most exceptional learning experience and inspire the next generation.
“The provision of a purpose-built, modern and sustainable learning environment will certainly further enhance the high-quality educational experience we provide at Cockermouth School.”
Workington MP Mark Jenkinson welcomed the investment.
He said: “I supported Cockermouth School’s bid from the start of the process, and I have worked closely with ministers and the department to remove any potential barriers.
“This investment into Cockermouth School through the school rebuilding programme ensures that the next generation can have access to better education and the increased opportunities for social mobility that come along with it.
“Having a modern building that is fit for purpose is vitally important in ensuring that children have an environment that is conducive to learning and to their overall wellbeing.
“I have received correspondence from many pupils from Cockermouth School outlining the condition of the school and the positive impact a new school would have on their learning experience. I am absolutely delighted to learn that their ambition for a new school building will now be realised.”
Neil Hudson, MP for Penrith and the Border, said: “I really welcome the news that both Ullswater Community College and Samuel King’s School have been provisionally selected to benefit from the latest round of the School Rebuilding Programme. I have been supporting both these schools on number of key issues including redevelopment, and I am delighted that the Government has listened to me and is backing these fantastic schools to improve their facilities for the future.
“As I have been pushing in Parliament repeatedly, equality of opportunity for our young people in rural Cumbria is so pivotal to their life chances.”
The programme is backed by £1.8 billion of government funding this financial year.
