School vows to make best of facilities after funding blow
Calder High School
CALDER High School has vowed to make the best of its current facilities after missing out again on Government funding for new buildings.
Last week Education Secretary Michael Gove announced a list of 261 schools which will be re-built under the Priority School Building Programme - but Calder High, in Mytholmroyd, was not among them.
Julie Park, the school’s business development manager, said: “We were naturally disapponted that we have not been included in the list of schools to receive funding to improve their school buildings.
“We hope to be considered for future funding. In the meantime, we will continue to make best use of the current buildings we have to ensure our young people and wider community have the best opportunities and facilities we can offer to them.”
John Beacroft-Mitchell, Calderdale councillor for the Luddenden Foot ward, has written to Mr Gove seeking an explanation as to why Calder High and Todmorden High’s bids were turned down and the criteria used to make the decision.
“It is very disappointing that Calder High did not get the funding which it so desperately needs,” Coun Beacroft-Mitchell said.
“Even the Secretary of State for Education himself recently admitted it was one of the worst buildings he had seen.
“It is time he put his money where his mouth is and gives the children of the Calder Valley the schools they deserve.”
Megan Swift, Calderdale Council’s lead member for children’s services, said: “The council is being forced to throw good money after bad in maintaining these schools. But we will continue to ensure the safety of pupils on the site.”
Coun Swift said a “radical solution” may now be required.
Mr Gove said, subject to funds being available, schools which missed out on funding but still need renovation will have their needs addressed as quickly as possible.
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Thursday 23 May 2013
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