Manchester Schools To Receive Government Funding

THREE Manchester schools have been identified by the government as a priority for repairs or rebuilding.

Education Secretary Michael Gove said in a written statement that 261 schools nationwide will have their condition needs addressed through the Priority School Building Programme (PSBP).

I recognise that many of the schools that applied to the PSBP and have been unsuccessful will also have significant condition needs

Seventeen of the schools are in Greater Manchester, three of which have been labelled a top priority. Stockport is the best represented local authority in the area with five schools on the list.

Mr Gove said: "I know that many schools will be disappointed not to be included in the programme. We have had to take difficult decisions in order to target spending on those schools that are in the worst condition."

Camberwell Park Specialist Support School in Blackley is one of 42 establishments nationwide that requires 'urgent action' and will receive a capital grant to begin work immediately.

All special schools in the programme and those in the 'very worst condition' have been marked as a top priority. The other two schools in Greater Manchester to be singled out were Holden Clough Community Primary School and Silver Springs Academy, both in Tameside.

Mr Gove added: "I recognise that many of the schools that applied to the PSBP and have been unsuccessful will also have significant condition needs. Some of those will have their needs addressed through the other funding we have made available for maintenance.

"Where that is not the case, I will use the information from the national programme of surveys we are currently conducting to ensure that, subject to funds available in the next spending review period, those schools which need renovation will have their needs addressed as quickly as possible."

The other schools in Manchester to be included in the programme are Plymouth Grove Primary School and Stanley Grove Primary School. The full list of schools is available on the Department for Education's website.