Anthony Browne MP has welcomed news that Sawston Village College is among one of the first 50 schools set to benefit from the Government’s ten-year rebuilding programme to transform schools across England.
As part of its commitment to level up opportunity, the Prime Minister announced an ambitious ten-year programme that transform 500 school buildings across England, so every child has access to the best learning environment, no matter where they go to school.
Ranked as one of the top ten schools in the county by the Real Schools Guide 2020, Sawston Village College currently accommodates 1090 pupils but is projected to increase to over 1200 over the next five years. This poses challenges not only in terms of classroom space but also social space, particularly in the dining room.
Mr Browne met with the College’s Principal in 2020 to discuss these challenges and has been engaged with the Department of Education to secure the additional funding needed. It is hoped these refurbishments will help create modern learning environment, with most projects expected to be completed within three to five years.
This first wave of projects marks the start of its School Rebuilding Programme, which is expected to deliver 500 rebuilding projects over the next decade, as the Government delivers on its manifesto commitment ensure every child has access to a great school.
This programme will also create vital jobs and apprenticeships in the construction industry, with suppliers offering training opportunities as part of their work on the rebuilds. Through its continued commitment to achieve its net zero target, the Government is also ensuring these schools will be built greener – supporting green jobs as it builds Britain back better, fairer and greener.
Commenting, Anthony Browne MP said:
“I am delighted to confirm Sawston Village College’s place in the first wave of schools to benefit from the Government’s transformational School Rebuilding Programme. This is great news for staff and students at the College, who have already achieved so much over the past few years.
“I look forward to working with the College to ensure this project’s success and deliver a renewed, modern learning environment that we can continue to be proud to provide.
“In its commitment to levelling up opportunity as we build back better, this Conservative government is determined to give every child in this country the world class education they deserve. We must ensure that every child, no matter where they go to school, can learn in an environment that enables them to reach their full potential.”
Gavin Williamson, Secretary of State for Education said:
“Today we are launching the first phase of our ambitious new schools programme, with 50 rebuilds and 21 new free schools.
“The rebuilding projects are just the start of our major ten-year programme, transforming hundreds of schools and improving the education of tens of thousands of children. Alongside this, over 15,500 children will now benefit from 21 new free schools across the country as we look to build back better after the pandemic.
“I am determined to get all children back into education as soon as possible, and will make sure we do not let the pandemic stand in the way of giving every young person the opportunity to succeed, progress and fulfil their potential”