FENLAND SCHOOLS IN LINE FOR £95M CASH BOOST

Secondary schools in Fenland look set to benefit from £95 million of Government funding.
The Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme is a national initiative to refurbish or rebuild all secondary schools in the country over the next 10 to 15 years. Although aimed partly at improving schools’ infrastructure, its main focus is to improve outcomes for young people.

Cambridgeshire County Council’s Cabinet agreed yesterday (September 26) to accept the terms of the BSF initiative. This includes establishing a Strategic Partnership Board to ensure stakeholders are represented in developments.

BSF will be funded mainly through the Private Finance Initiative (PFI). All local authorities wishing to apply - including Cambridgeshire - must prepare a Readiness to Deliver statement by October 13.

Coun Shona Johnstone, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People’s Services, said: “The BSF funding will provide an exciting opportunity for investment in secondary and special education in the Fenland Area. The level of funding available will allow potentially radical improvements in building and facilities, which will improve the range of opportunities available to young people, and result in improved performance. It also provides a great opportunity for developing the role of the schools in their local communities. It is vital that we make a robust and convincing case for this money.”

ENDS

Notes for Editors:

For further information contact Simon Cobby in the Press Office on 01223 717627.

1. Political contacts: Conservative Coun Shona Johnstone 01954 230565 (h) or 07752 880344 (mobile); Liberal Democrat Coun Anne Kent 01223 353811 (h) or 07771 782265 (mob); Labour Coun Martin Ballard 01223 562737.

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