Schools plan faces £30m funding gap

Tuesday 25th November 2008, 10:55AM GMT

Schools plan faces £30m funding gapAnother three Telford schools could be added to a list of seven already set to be bulldozed and rebuilt as part of a massive overhaul of education in the borough, it has been announced.

Members of Telford & Wrekin Council’s cabinet heard last night that every possible option was being explored to find the extra money needed to add The Phoenix, Ercall Wood and Charlton Schools to the list of secondary school rebuilds.

They heard there is a £30 million shortfall.

Abraham Darby Academy, the Sutherland School, Wrockwardine Wood Arts College and the Lord Silkin School are all to be knocked down and rebuilt as part of the Building Schools for the Future programme, for which the borough council submitted a bid of £169 million to the Government.

Three primary schools are also to be rebuilt as part of the plans, namely Stirchley, Three Oaks and Woodlands Primary Schools.

A total of ten other schools could be in line for multi-million pound refurbishments after being placed on a list for consideration.

Last night councillors heard that The Phoenix, Ercall Wood Technological College and Charlton School are also on the list of 10 other schools to be remodelled or refurbished under the £209 million plans to create Campus Telford & Wrekin.

Councillor Stephen Burrell, cabinet member for children and young people, said: “There is almost a £30 million funding gap at the moment. However, Telford & Wrekin Council is very aspirational and has very high ambitions. If it is there to be found we will find it.”

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