The first phase of a £10 million revamp of a north Cumbrian school have been revealed.
Caldew School in Dalston, near Carlisle, aims to develop a centre of educational excellence and this week, head Vicki Jackson unveiled the proposals.
The cash – £1 million a year – has come from Story Group and was announced in October.
The project is being delivered for the school by Story Contracting with support from local firms PMS Fabrications, AL Daines and Unwin Jones.
Fred Story, along with the leaders of the businesses involved are all ex-pupils of Caldew School.
The secondary school has 1,022 pupils.
The first phase focuses on the complete refurbishment of the sixth form including:
- A sixth form learning hub, which will be a dedicated space designed for students to work independently, equipped with all the necessary facilities to support their studies.
- A sixth form student hub, which will serve as a communal space where students can relax with their peers providing a positive environment for socialising and discussions.
- A collaboration hub which will provide a dynamic space where staff and students can work on projects, hold meetings, and collaborate on ideas. With rooms designed for different needs, it fosters creativity, teamwork, and active learning.
Each classroom in the sixth form will also be reconfigured with state-of-the art equipment.
Mrs Jackson said: “As we announced in October, our ambitious plans will provide the highest quality teaching and learning to elevate the environment in which our students work to inspire them and create a culture of high aspiration.
“This investment is transformative to the future of young people ensuring that they recognise their talent and reach their goal of attending a leading university, an apprenticeship or employment.”
Mr Story said: “We are committed to investing £1 million per year to raise the aspirations and achievement of all the students that attend Caldew School now and in the future.
“The funding is subject to the school achieving measurable progress in the next three years to further unlock the continued financial investment.
“The staff at Caldew School are fully committed to ensuring this money has a significant impact on the quality of education for students.
“I hope that parents and students are excited about the project and the impact it will have on children’s education at Caldew.
“It is only when the school and parents work in partnership that we can unlock their full potential.”
