£195,000 is big school boost
LEADERS at a primary school which became an Academy last year say a six-figure government investment is the latest boost as they go from “strength to strength”.
St Mary’s RC Primary, a Voluntary Academy, has been awarded £195,664 from the Education and Skills Funding Agency’s Condition Improvement Fund.
The funding is available for large scale building projects, specifically for direct applications from Academy schools without local authority involvement.
The grant will see old heating pipes - currently below ground and near asbestos - relocated. School bosses expect the works to take place during the coming academic year.
Headteacher Kathryn Bishop said: “It is fabulous news that we have been placed on the additional list of successful applications. It is one of many advantages of being an Academy.
“This money will be used to address much-needed heating work across the school. We are delighted with this outcome.”
The school, on Tong Lane, became an Academy last November, although it has been under an Academy order since 2016.
Mrs Bishop added: “It is part of a bigger programme that has been going on at the school over the last five years. There is a massive focus on school improvements, both academically and school buildings.”
The school received an across-the-board Good rating from Ofsted in its most recent inspection in October 2018, after previously being inadequate. It converted to an Academy last November.
Chair of governors Frances McIllwaine said the governing body are “overjoyed” at the announcement, adding: “The money will be used to make further improvements to St Mary’s, for the benefit of all of our pupils. Our Building Development Plan started six years ago; each year we have completed a new phase, supported by Salford Diocese and more recently, Romero Catholic Academy Trust.
“Being able to apply to this fund would not have been possible if we had not converted to Academy status last November. We are excited for the future as our school goes from strength to strength.”
Des Callaghan, Interim CEO of the trust, said: “The directors of Romero Catholic Academy Trust are delighted that St Mary’s has been able to benefit from its recent academy conversion to gain this major investment from the government.
“This will be used to improve the school experience of all the pupils and is another sign of the ongoing success of St Mary’s as it continues to provide a first class education for the children and families within the school community.”
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said: “Investing in our school and college buildings helps create modern environments that lend themselves to great teaching, making sure every child has the opportunity to fulfil their potential.
“We have worked at great speed to release this additional £560m of condition funding to schools for projects this year to kick-start the economy and get the country moving again following coronavirus.”