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MARK Jenkinson MP has welcomed major investment for Cockermouth School as part of the Conservative Government’s refurbishment plan.
It is one of the latest 239 schools across England set to benefit from the Conservative Government’s ten-year School Rebuilding Programmme, which has invested over £13 billion to maintain and improve facilities since 2015.
So far support for 400 schools have been announced, with a further 100 expected to be confirmed in future years, delivering on the Conservative’s manifesto commitment to give every child access to a great school and a world-class education.
Work to rebuild the schools announced will start immediately, creating jobs, apprenticeships, and training opportunities around the country, backed by £1.8 billion this financial year.
Mark Jenkinson MP welcomed the announcement that Cockermouth School has been selected as one of the latest 239 schools that will be rebuilt or substantially refurbished as part of the fourth round of the programme.
He said: “I have been working tirelessly to raise educational attainment locally, and nationally. Investing in our schools is a key part of My Plan for this constituency.
“I supported Cockermouth School’s bid from the start of the process, and I have worked closely with ministers and the Department to remove any potential barriers.
“This investment into Cockermouth School through the school rebuilding programme ensures that the next generation can have access to better education and the increased opportunities for social mobility that come along with it.
“Having a modern building that is fit for purpose is vitally important in ensuring that children have an environment that is conducive to learning and to their overall wellbeing.
“I have received correspondence from many pupils from Cockermouth School outlining the condition of the school and the positive impact a new school would have on their learning experience.
“I am absolutely delighted to learn that their ambition for a new school building will now be realised.”
The programme will provide the funding to transform 500 schools across England, delivering on the Government’s commitment to level up opportunity around the country by giving every child access to the best classrooms, wherever they go to school.
The School Rebuilding Programme is backed by £1.8 billion of government funding this financial year, helping to rebuild and refurbish primary, secondary, and specialist schools, in addition to sixth form colleges around England.
Headteacher Richard King said: "We are absolutely delighted to learn that our ambition for a new school building will finally be realised.
“Students, staff and trustees have been longing for improved facilities that can support our ambitions to provide the most exceptional learning experience and inspire the next generation.
“The provision of a purpose-built, modern and sustainable learning environment will certainly further enhance the high-quality educational experience we provide at Cockermouth School"
The funding for Cockermouth School will help to deliver state of the art learning environments for pupils, such as new classrooms, science labs, sports halls, and dining halls. The majority of the projects are set to be completed in three to five years.
Each school in the programme has been selected based on the condition of its buildings, making sure the greatest improvements are delivered for schools that need them the most and maximising children’s chances to gain the skills and knowledge they need.
The new buildings will be more energy efficient for future winter resilience, helping schools keep bills down and meeting our Net Zero commitments.
Selected schools include primary, secondary, special schools, and 16-19 institutions, with over half of the successful schools in the Midlands and North, levelling up education across England.
Construction of new buildings at some of the previously announced schools is already underway, with a number of projects almost completed.
As well as delivering world-class learning environments for pupils, the School Rebuilding Programme will also create opportunities, jobs, and apprenticeships – from the construction industry to suppliers, businesses will be offering training as part of their involvement in the projects.
Peter McCall, Cumbria’s Conservative Police and Crime Commissioner, backed the original bid.
He said: “I was delighted to support to Cockermouth School’s bid, and it is welcome indeed that they have been successfully nominated as part of the Conservative Government’s School Rebuilding Programme.
“Cockermouth School already has an excellent reputation, and this investment will allow the school to continue to go from strength to strength. I look forward to seeing this project take shape.”
Education Secretary Gillian Keegan added: “Education is a top priority for this Government. That is why, despite facing challenging economic circumstances, we are investing a record amount in our schools and colleges. Today’s announcement
will transform hundreds of schools across the country and ensure they are fit for the future.
“The additional funding, alongside fantastic new facilities, will mean our brilliant teachers can get on with what they do best – and inspire the next generation.”