Sunday, 1 June 2025
Extra cash for repairs to local schools
Over 7000 pupils at Calder Valley schools are set to benefit from additional government investment in school repairs and maintenance.
The Government today announced that Burnley Road Academy, Hebden Royd C of E Primary School and Luddenden C of E Schoolwill receive additional money from the Condition Improvement Fund to ensure classrooms and facilities are safe and energy efficient.
The newly announced funding is in addition to 12 Calder Valley schools which were chosen for refurbishment last year under the School Rebuilding Programme.
Work is already underway on Castle Hill School, and will be followed by refurbishment at Cross Lane Primary and Nursery School; Shade Primary School; The Brooksbank School; The Calder Learning Trust; Todmorden High School; Walsden St Peter's CE (VC) Primary School; Central Street Infant and Nursery School; Riverside Junior School; Stubbings Infant School; Todmorden C of E J, I & N School; and Woodhouse Primary School.
Josh Fenton-Glynn MP talking to students earlier this month
at his former school, Calder High School
Calder Valley MP Josh Fenton-Glynn said, "I was a council Cabinet member in Calderdale when the Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete crisis emerged. Parents were terrified that the roofs their children learn under were unsafe. The last government let it happen through years of neglect, and we have the job of putting it right. Our kids deserve a safe environment where they can achieve and thrive."
Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, said, "The defining image of the school estate under the previous government was children sitting under steel props to stop crumbling concrete falling on their heads. It simply isn't good enough.
"Parents expect their children to learn in a safe warm environment. It's what children deserve, and it is what we are delivering.
"This investment is about more than just buildings - it's about showing children that their education matters, their futures matter, and this government is determined to give them the best possible start in life."
The new Condition Improvement Fund will see a total of £21.5 million invested in fixing schools across Yorkshire and The Humber. The aim is to create energy efficient classrooms and safe outdoor spaces for all children to be able to learn for years to come.