North Swindon MP welcomes news that Swindon infant school is set to benefit from £450m Government funding

By Jessica Durston - 25 May 2023

Education
  • Justin Tomlinson MP

    Justin Tomlinson MP

Justin Tomlinson MP says he welcomes news that Eastrop Infant School is set to benefit from part of £450 million in extra funding from the Conservative Government to upgrade school buildings across the country.

Across the UK, 859 academies, sixth-form colleges and voluntary aided schools will receive a share of £456 million from the Condition Improvement Fund, with over 1,000 projects selected.

This new investment aims to upgrade and improve school and college facilities, providing pupils with safer and warmer classrooms, and more energy efficient school buildings.

The Conservative Government announced £1.8 billion of capital funding for the financial year 2023-24 to improve the condition of school buildings – including £1.1 billion for local authorities, large multi-academy trusts and voluntary aided bodies.

The announcement follows on from the 239 new school buildings confirmed in December as part of the Schools Rebuilding Programme – including Highworth Warneford School, which received funding to replace a number of mobile classrooms.

Justin Tomlinson MP said: “We have a world-leading education system but we must continue to invest in safe, warm and energy efficient classrooms so pupils have the facilities they need to study effectively and succeed.

“That is why I welcome the news that the Conservative Government is investing an additional £456 million into our school buildings across the country, delivering over 1,000 building improvement projects, including at Eastrop Infants School in Highworth.

“Every school should have access to high-quality facilities and our investment will deliver this so pupil can develop the skills they need for their careers as we grow the economy.”

Minister for the School System, Baroness Diana Barran MBE said: “Our Condition Improvement Fund has already completed over ten thousand projects, making a difference to pupils and teachers across the country. These projects help to create safer learning environments that make a difference to the quality of education for pupils.

“It’s hugely important that every school has access to high-quality learning facilities and these funding allocations will make sure that responsible bodies can start to plan ahead and get projects started to replace roofs, boilers and windows – so pupils and teachers can learn and work in a comfortable space.” 

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