A north Cumbrian school has been awarded £10 million to help it become a centre of educational excellence.
Caldew School, in Dalston, near Carlisle, has been awarded the cash from the Cumberland Support Trust. It will be paid out over the next decade, subject to the school achieving agreed outcomes.
Headteacher Vicki Jackson said: “We are extremely proud of the academic achievements of our students, including those in our sixth form.
“I am very pleased that the work we have already done on improving the quality of teaching at Caldew School has had an impact on our students’ exam results.
“We have ambitious plans to provide the highest quality of teaching, with opportunities and experiences outside the classroom that raise the aspiration of students, so they have the confidence to compete at higher education, in apprenticeships and in the workplace, with young people from across the country.
“We will continue to develop our links with top universities and employers as part of this project.”
The school said that over recent years, Caldew School, which has 1,022 students, had seen exam results at GCSE and A-level improve and the £10m investment will allow it to build on the improvements and develop programmes so that all students can be supported to reach their full potential and achieve the very best grades they can.
Ms Jackson added: “The award from the Cumberland Support Trust will enable us not only to invest in staff and the development of teaching, but also in our building and resources to create an environment that inspires learning and creates a culture of high aspiration.
“This support will be transformative to the future of young people, ensuring that whether they choose a leading university or an apprenticeship for their next step, they are confident their education has given them all of the skills and qualifications they need.”
The trust has also ringfenced a further £1 million, to support city wide initiatives with Carlisle’s other secondary schools to help maximise the impact of the investment.
The trust, supported by local businesses Story Contracting, Story Plant and Story Homes, has an aim of raising educational standards, improving aspiration and creating a legacy for young people in Carlisle.
Fred Story said: “This investment will enhance Caldew’s facilities and elevate the quality of education and inspire young people to aim for excellence.
“Over the coming years, I hope this will help the next generation recognise their talent, meet their potential, and be the very best they can be in whatever they choose to do, and contribute to unlocking the potential that I believe Carlisle has to offer.”
