Local Cllr Backs School's Funding Bid (Leeds Liberal Democrats)

Leeds Liberal Democrats <info@leedslibdems.org.uk>

Local Cllr Backs School's Funding Bid

June 17, 2005 1:26 AM

Lib Dem Cllr Ryk Downes (Otley & Yeadon) has thrown his support behind a bid for a multi - million pound funding grant for Otley's Prince Henry's Grammar School. The school hopes to use the money to create a range of new facilities for pupils and teachers, including a new science block as well as improving access to the building itself for easier community use. The bid is currently being considered by the DfES with the outcome expected to be announced in September 2005. Should the bid be successful, the funding would be available from April 2006.

Councillor Ryk Downes (Lib Dem, Otley & Yeadon) said "My ward colleagues and I fully support this bid. Prince Henry's is a school that has unfortunately been neglected for far too long and we have been lobbying hard for extra funding. Whilst we are aware that the bidding process is highly competitive, we are hopeful that the government will give Prince Henry's the green light."

• The estimated total scheme cost is £8.8million, which includes an anticipated capital receipt of £1.6 million, LEA (Local Education Authority) formulaic funding of £1.2 million and TCF (Target Capital Funding) funding of £6.0 million.

• The outline of the bid is the creation of new science, technology and general teaching facilities, in tandem with additional social spaces. These will replace inappropriate existing accommodation with more practical flexible spaces that will provide opportunities for independent learning.

• The scheme will also provide a new main entrance that will enable easier community use in respect of the language college and sporting facilities. With the provision of additional working spaces, multi - agency teams will be able to be accommodated at the school in the areas of social services, education welfare and health advisory.