Mark Garnier MP welcomes extra investment for Baxter College to improve facilities as part of the Conservative Government’s School Rebuilding Programme
Baxter College in Wyre Forest is one of the latest 239 schools across England set to benefit from the Conservative Government’s ten-year School Rebuilding Programme, which has invested over £13 billion to maintain and improve schools since 2015.
400 schools have been announced so far, with a further 100 expected to be confirmed in future years, delivering on the Conservative’s manifesto commitment to give every child access to a great school and a world-class education.
Work to rebuild the schools announced will start immediately, creating jobs, apprenticeships, and training opportunities around the country, backed by £1.8 billion this financial year.
Mark Garnier MP – Wyre Forest’s Member of Parliament - has welcomed the announcement that Baxter College has been selected as one of the latest 239 schools that will be rebuilt or substantially refurbished as part of the fourth round of the Conservative Government’s School Rebuilding Programme.
The funding for Baxter College will deliver a new sports hall, that will double as an exam centre, and a complete refurbishment of the old middle school to incorporate it into the main school.
The Baxter project – as with the wider rebuild programme - is set to be completed in three to five years.
The programme will provide the funding to transform 500 schools across England, delivering on the Government’s commitment to level up opportunity around the country by giving every child access to the best classrooms, wherever they go to school.
The School Rebuilding Programme is backed by £1.8 billion of government funding this financial year, helping to rebuild and refurbish primary, secondary, and specialist schools, in addition to sixth form colleges around England.
Each school in the programme has been selected based on the condition of its buildings, making sure the greatest improvements are delivered for schools that need them the most and maximising children’s chances to gain the skills and knowledge they need.
The new buildings will be more energy efficient for future winter resilience, helping schools keep bills down and meeting our Net Zero commitments.
Selected schools include primary, secondary, special schools, and 16-19 institutions, with over half of the successful schools in the Midlands and North, levelling up education across England.
Construction of new buildings at some of the previously announced schools is already underway, with a number of projects almost completed.
As well as delivering world-class learning environments for pupils, the School Rebuilding Programme will also create opportunities, jobs, and apprenticeships – from the construction industry to suppliers, businesses will be offering training as part of their involvement in the projects.
Mark met with the Principal of Baxter College, Matthew Carpenter, this morning to congratulate the school on the funding.
Commenting, Matthew Carpenter, Principal said:
“We are delighted with this fantastic news. It is an opportunity to provide a modern learning environment that is fit for purpose for our students, complimenting the main building which has served our community for over 80 years, and providing a school that will serve future generations.”
Commenting, Mark Garnier said:
“The quality of facilities in schools can have a significant impact on a student’s learning and I have been working closely with the Conservative Government to help secure investment in our schools to offer children the best opportunity to succeed.
“The team at Baxter do an incredible job and I am so pleased that their hard work and exciting vision for the school will be achieved
Investment will improve the experience of students at Baxter – helping them to learn, develop, and achieve their full potential.”
Alison Powell, chief operating officer for the Academy Trust said:
"Kidderminster’s Baxter College is part of the Severn Academies Educational Trust, which worked with the school to put the multi-million pound bid together. The School Rebuilding Programme is a very competitive process, with lots of school buildings in need of modernisation to provide quality, sustainable facilities for our young people and we are pleased to secure this opportunity for Baxter College.
“We are keen to develop a built environment that will enhance educational experiences as well as providing a first class facility for our wider community.”
Commenting, 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.”