Robert Buckland welcomes funding to improve local education

South Swindon MP Robert Buckland says his constituency will benefit from a major funding boost.

South Swindon has been allocated its share of the £434 million investment to expand classrooms, upgrade facilities and improve the education of children across the whole country.

The total allocated to South Swindon has not been announced, but schools set to benefit include The Commonweal School, Holy Family Catholic School and Lawn Manor Academy.

Mr Buckland says the money will ensure schools have well-maintained facilities to provide students with safe environments that support a high-quality education. 

It is part of the £1.4 billion of capital funding for 2020-21 announced in April, and is provided through the Condition Improvement Fund (CIF).

Mr Buckland said: “Coronavirus has taken a toll on us all, not least our children, who have been kept from their friends, their teachers and their schools.

“As we exit lockdown we must focus on getting children back to school – and ensure that our schools have the facilities and classrooms they need to support the high-quality education our children deserve.

“During my time as MP for South Swindon, I have thoroughly enjoyed regularly visiting the schools in my constituency and I am looking forward to being able to do this again when the time is right. 

"Education has always been a top priority for me, and I will continue to work to ensure that every student here in South Swindon has access to excellent education and training.

“Replacing and upgrading poor condition school and college buildings with modern, energy efficient designs will give our students and teachers the environment they deserve, and support them to maximise their potential.

“As we look forward to this September and all children returning to school, we can be assured that for years to come this country’s education system will drive opportunity and prosperity for all.”

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced a 10-year school rebuilding programme, beginning with an allocation of more than £1n for the first 50 projects in 2020-21. 

Mr Buckland said the investment would ensure schools and colleges could focus on teaching, with new buildings and better facilities.

He praised schools across the country for playing their part in responding to Coronavirus, ensuring their doors remained open for the children of essential workers.