Chris Loder, MP for West Dorset, has welcomed the news that three schools in the constituency are to benefit from the School Improvement Fund. Marshwood CofE Primary Academy, Thorncombe St. Mary’s CofE Primary Academy, and Chickerell Primary Academy will all receive a share of over £450 million of investment to improve school buildings across the country.
The Department for Education’s School Improvement Fund will benefit 1,033 projects at 859 academies, sixth-form colleges and voluntary aided schools. In December last year and after much lobbying by Mr Loder, The Gryphon School and Budmouth Academy in Chickerell were selected as beneficiaries of the first tranche of the School Improvement Fund. Commenting on the recent funding allocations, Mr Loder said:
“This is excellent news for three of our primary schools in West Dorset. This funding will help to improve school buildings at each site, helping to provide a high-quality learning environment for students.”
“I understand some of our schools in the constituency are not fit for purpose and in need of modernisation. This funding will make sure that responsible bodies can plan ahead and get projects started, such as replacing roofs, boilers and windows.”