Bolton schools to benefit from £450 million Condition Improvement Fund

A total of 11 schools in the borough will receive a slice of £450M Government cash from the Condition Improvement Fund.

Among the schools to benefit is Bolton St Catherine's Academy.

The cash will fund phase two of its roof refurbishment – which otherwise put the school at risk of closure.

The school previously received funding two years ago for the first half of the roof, but were unsuccessful in their second bid, until receiving this funding now.

Headteacher Rachael Lucas said: “We are delighted because we were awarded funding for the other half of the roof.

• ALSO READ: School still found to require improvement - but is on the right track 

St Catherine's Academy (Image: Newsquest)

“One half of the roof has been repaired through a previous successful bid.

“We are pleased we got it because we didn’t get it last time.

“We have got water leaking into classrooms, so this means that we can secure the teaching and learning environment because we are not managing leaks.”

• ALSO READ: St Peter's CE Primary School, Farnworth, to trial ‘School Streets’

Firwood High School – which is located on the same campus as Bolton St Catherine’s Academy - will also have extensive roof repair work carried out to avoid school closure.

Headteacher at Firwood, Dawn Evans, said: "We are absolutely delighted with the outcome of the Condition Improvement Fund allocation.

"This will have a significant impact on the learning environment for our students in a positive way." 

Masefield Primary School will have urgent damp repairs looked at as a result of part of the seal failing and water leaking into the school building.

Headteacher Andy Done said: “It’s not a massive job but it means it is safe for the children because having damp inside is not safe.

“It was important to get it right for the children so the teachers can focus on teaching and learning.

“We are hoping that the work will be done over the summer break.

“We have had other successful bids, which means we have a new automatic lighting system, and a heating system with a thermostat in each room, which is energy efficient, saves money, and is good for the environment.”

Bolton Wanderers event at Masefield Primary School

Other schools to benefit from funding are:

• St Bede's Academy, Morris Green, to carry out fire safety works.
• Eagley Infant School to partially replace external windows and  have doors fitted.
• Sharples School will have urgent drain repairs and a heating system fitted to prevent school closure.
• Little Lever School will undergo phase two of electrical rewiring and urgent gas and ventilation work, including removing asbestos.
• Lever Park School will have external safeguarding works carried out.
• St James CE Primary School, Farnworth, will have urgent structural works carried out to a retaining wall to address serious health and safety concerns.

Sharples School

• Rivington and Blackrod High School will be able to have fire safety upgrade works to prevent school closure and essential boundary improvements to address trespassing and safeguarding issues
• Ladywood School will be able to carry out fire safety works.
• ALSO READ: Bolton schools to discover if they will receive share of £456 million

As many as 859 academies, sixth-form colleges, and voluntary-aided schools in every region of the country will receive a share of the funding.

The announcement follows on from 239 new school buildings confirmed in December as part of the Schools Rebuilding Programme, with 400 out of 500 schools and sixth-form colleges now being selected for rebuilds through the 10-year programme.

More than 1,000 school building improvement projects will receive the funding as part of plans to boost the condition of the school estate.

If you have a story and something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at jasmine.jackson@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on Twitter @JournoJasmine.