A HIGH school in Rubery is among the first wave of schools to receive a share of £1billion in investment to upgrade its buildings.
Waseley Hills High School is one of just 50 schools across the country set to benefit from the initial roll-out of the government's School Rebuilding Programme, which headteacher Alan Roll says will have a huge impact on the life chances of young people in Rubery and Bromsgrove.
Project planning for the transformation works planned at Waseley Hills is already at an advanced stage and a site visit is scheduled to take place in the autumn.
Mr Roll said: "We are delighted that the school has been chosen to benefit from the Prime Minister’s rebuilding schools programme.
"This will have a big impact on the opportunities and life chances of young people in the Rubery and Bromsgrove area and they can look forward to a brighter future.
“I would like to personally thank our MP Sajid Javid for his support for this initiative as I know from our discussions that he takes a very personal interest in the welfare and education of young people.”
Welcoming the news, MP Mr Javid said: "I am delighted that Waseley Hills High School has been selected as one of the first schools in the country to benefit from this programme.
"This will make a lasting difference to local students for years to come and help level up opportunity and educational success in our area.
“I am extremely pleased for Alan Roll and the staff at Waseley Hills High School, who I know have worked extremely hard to make this application a success.
"It was my pleasure to support them in Westminster and help get this funding over the line”
Over the course of 10 years, the government plans to transform 500 school buildings across England so that every child has access to the best learning environment, no matter where they go to school.
Backed by £1 billion in government funding, the first 50 schools will be rebuilt or repaired where necessary, with 70 per cent located in the North and the Midlands. Another Worcestershire school, Pershore High, will also benefit from the first wave of funding.
The refurbishments will help create a modern learning environment by delivering new classrooms and science labs to sports halls and dining halls.
The programme will also create vital jobs and apprenticeships in the construction industry, with suppliers offering training opportunities as part of their work on the rebuilds.
Councillor Marcus Hart, cabinet member for education at Worcestershire County Council, said: “It is fantastic news that Pershore High School and Waseley Hills High School have been selected to be in the first wave of schools involved in the Schools Rebuilding Programme from Central Government, and I’m really pleased that Worcestershire is twice represented.
“This news adds further value and capacity, after receiving extra funding from the Condition Allocation fund last year to help us deliver and see more improvements for our schools.
“Maintaining and improving school buildings across the county remains a top priority for the county council, providing a safe and good quality learning environment for our students is just one of the ways we’re committed to helping them reach their full potential.”
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