Bury schools to benefit from Condition Improvement Fund money

A total of 11 schools in the borough will benefit from a Condition Improvement Fund which will see 14 improvement projects take place across primary, secondary and sixth form schools.

Two of the schools, which have been approved for funding, will now be able to carry out essential repairs and refurbishments that will prevent the schools from potentially closing.

Julie Whittaker, Headteacher at Summerseat Methodist Primary School, said she was “delighted” that the improvements will help the building match the school’s “ambition to provide the best quality of education”.

She said: “Were over the moon to be successful with two additional CIF bids since our academisation in December 2020.

Summerseat Methodist Primary School (Image: Archive)

“Our building has seen some recent key improvements including new heating, windows and now with this bid, a new roof and improved drainage.

“We are delighted that the improvements will help the building match the school’s ambition to provide the best quality of education in a safe and stimulating environment”.

The primary school has been given the funding for the essential refurbishment of a dilapidated roof risking school closure and the essential replacement of a collapsed drain to prevent school closure.

Liam James Dean, Co-Chair of Governors at Summerseat Methodist Primary School, added that the funding will help ensure the school is in “great condition to keep up the high-quality education for our children for many years to come”.

Radcliffe Hall Church of England Methodist Primary School was also successful with two CIF bids which fund the partial replacement of roof coverings and urgent damp remediation.

The  schools in Bury will be receiving funding for an overall total of 14 projects to improve buildings. 

Elms Bank has also been approved for funding.

A spokesperson said: "We are thrilled and delighted to receive part of the investment into Schools’ Buildings grant to replace some of our heating.

"During the winter months, this will provide our pupils with a comfortable, warm learning environment for them to excel.

Bury Church of England High School  (Image: Maps)

Bury Church of England High School also placed a successful bid.

Simon Braithwaite, headteacher, said he was delighted and excited for the upgrades to the school and their maths block.

He said: “We are delighted to receive some of the funding that will Improve the fabric and quality of our buildings and will have a knock-on effect on teaching and learning.”

The full list of schools receiving improvement funding is as follows: 

• Holy Cross College
• Radcliffe Primary School
• Elton Community Primary School
• St John's Church of England Primary School, Radcliffe
• St Thomas Church of England Primary School
• Elms Bank
• Radcliffe Hall Church of England Methodist  Primary School
• Greenhill Primary School
• Summerseat Methodist Primary School
• Bury Church of England High School
• Peel Brow School

Ann Maria Cassidy, the Vice Principal at Holy Cross College said: "We were delighted to be awarded CIF funding for energy-efficient boilers and an associated building management system.

"This will greatly contribute to Holy Cross College's sustainability journey by reducing its overall carbon footprint.

"This is a significant investment by the DfE which will benefit students and staff alike for many years to come."

Conservative MP for Bury North, James Daly welcomed the news adding that "we must continue to invest in safe, warm and energy-efficient classrooms so pupils have the facilities they need to study effectively and succeed."

He said: “Every school should have access to high-quality facilities and our investment will deliver this so pupils can develop the skills they need for their careers as we grow the economy.”

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