Dudley Council is a step closer to a massive £200 million investment programme to transform secondary school provision across the borough.
The ambitious plans, through the national Building Schools for the Future programme, make up the biggest ever investment in Dudley borough schools. On December 12, Dudley Cabinet members will be asked to approve these exciting proposals which aim to transform secondary education, creating world class schools fit for 21st century.
The main aims are to provide schools of sufficient size to meet local demand for places with world class learning facilities designed to drive up educational attainment, promote personal development, health and safety. Extended serviceswill also be provided beyond the traditional school day for young people and local communities. These will include access to better ICT and new opportunities for training, employment and leisure programmes.
Building Schools for the Future programme was first announced in 2003 with Dudley likely to be included in 2010.
Proposals also include creating two brand new academies. Pensnett High School and Crestwood School will be replaced by an academy on the Crestwood site to serve the Kingswinford South, Brockmoor and Pensnett communities. Holly Hall Mathematics and Computing College will also become an academy on the current Holly Hall site, serving Pensnett, Holly Hall and Woodside.
All pupils in the three schools will be guaranteed places at the two new academies, anticipated to open in September 2010.
Further proposals include the expansion of Hillcrest School and Community College to meet the local demand.
All secondary schools will benefit from capital investment which will be in excess of £200 million.
There will be a full public consultation on all of the detailed proposals before a final decision is made.
Councillor Liz Walker, Cabinet member for Children’s Services, said:
“This multi-million investment programme will give us the money and the opportunity to improve all schools. It could result in at least £10 million investment in each school, which will re-model and possibly rebuild many of our secondary schools in the borough to an extremely high standard, fit for 21st century education.
“Investing for the Future is fundamental to inspiring learning for future generations. The proposals aim to secure the best provision for children, young people and local communities. Further consultation will be carried out with the children, parents, staff, governors and communities. Only by working together will we succeed. This is a fantastic opportunity for everyone involved”
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