News that two County Durham schools are set to benefit in the second round of the Government’s School Rebuilding Programme has been welcomed by the local authority.
Sugar Hill Primary School and Woodham Academy, both in Newton Aycliffe, are among 50 schools across the country to have been selected by the Department for Education (DfE) for investment through the £1billion scheme.
Both schools will now be considered for a major rebuild, partial rebuild or refurbishment, with the Government expected to make its decision early next year following a feasibility study. Once agreed the work could take up to three years to complete.
Durham County Council has welcomed the investment and will work with DfE and the schools to offer support and guidance where needed.
Cllr Ted Henderson, the council’s Cabinet member for children and young people’s services, said: “We are delighted that two County Durham schools have been selected for the second round of the School Rebuilding Programme, as this represents a significant investment in the learning environments of our children and young people.
“As with any investment, this will involve considerable change for staff and pupils and so we are committed to supporting both schools to ensure their needs are met and to secure the very best outcomes for all involved.”
Located in Sheraton Road in Newton Aycliffe, Sugar Hill Primary School is overseen by the local authority.
Headteacher Paula O’Rourke said: “This has come as a huge surprise to us, but I look forward to seeing what this will look like for Sugar Hill. An enhanced environment can only lead to better learning outcomes for the children and an improved workplace for staff. It will also help to improve the area for the community we serve.”
Woodham Academy is located in Washington Crescent in the town and is part of the Eden Learning Trust.
Headteacher Andrew Bell said: “We are delighted to hear that Woodham Academy is receiving funding from central government, in order to provide a building which our students, staff and families deserve. We are rapidly expanding and the future looks very bright.”
