Swimbridge Church of England Primary School has been successful in its bid to the School Rebuilding Programme.
The current school is built on a plateau cut into the side of a large hill. The school has been concerned for some time that the ground above the school has been moving down the hill and it has now reached a situation where soil and rock is piled against the back wall of the school.
The geotechnical monitoring of the ground in the Spring showed that school needed to relocate off the site while some further short-term works are undertaken to minimise the risk of debris collapsing onto and through the roof.
A new site for the school is already provided for in the village and the Department for Education Complex Projects Team have been actively involved in monitoring the issues at the school and ensuring processes are in place to seek to manage the health and safety risk to children and staff.
The future of the school relied on its relocation as part of the Schools Rebuilding Programme and the news that its bid has been successful was an early Christmas present for the pupils and staff. It is one of the latest 239 schools across England to benefit from the Government’s ten year School Rebuilding Programme, which has invested over £13 billion to maintain and improve schools since 2015. This is delivering on the Conservative manifesto promise to give every child access to a great school and a world class education.
Selaine Saxby MP said:
“This has clearly been a difficult time for staff and students and I was very pleased to see that having written in support of this bid to Ministers directly that Swimbridge, an ‘Outstanding’ Primary School, will have the new school it so cleared needs and deserves. I am also pleased to see that Tiverton High School has secured its long needed new build. When I met with the relevant Minister earlier in the year, I also lobbied for Tiverton High whilst they were without an MP.
I am aware that there are many other projects in North Devon that do need funding and I implore any school that has a project to send me the details so that I can speak to ministers on their behalf. Braunton Academy and their expansion is my next mission!”
Education Secretary Gillian Keegan said:
“Education is a top priority for this Government. That is why, despite facing challenging economic circumstances, we are investing a record amount in our schools and colleges. Today’s announcement will transform hundreds of schools across the country and ensure they are fit for the future.
“The additional funding, alongside fantastic new facilities, will mean our brilliant teachers can get on with what they do best – and inspire the next generation.”
