Building Schools for the Future

Stoke-on-Trent has avoided the swingeing cuts that have been announced to the Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme by the Government.

The £250m investment announced in the City's schools by the last Government looked at threat as the Tory-Lib Dem coalition made clear their opposal to BSF. But on 5th July, as dozens of schemes across the country were axed, Rob asked Education Secretary Michael Gove for assurances that Stoke's plans would be saved. The Minister replied that,

"Stoke-on-Trent is one of those local authorities that has reached financial close, so therefore school rebuilding will go ahead-and I hope that it will do so more quickly and efficiently."

Speaking after the announcement, Rob said "today is a day of mixed emotions. I am absolutely delighted that this investment has been maintained in Stoke-on-Trent, but hugely concerned that the Government have withdrawn countless schemes all over the country.

"I will now work to ensure that the BSF plans proceed as quickly as possible, and that these incorporate the two-school solution of an academy on the Longton High site and a community school at Mitchell High. I am encouraged that the Government have not at all ruled out this possibility, and if Ministers indicate they would be happy with two schools then I hope that the City Council will take this option.

"This is an exciting day for the City and I hope all concerned share my desire for some real progress to be made. We have some fantastic new primary schools and it is high time that our secondary schools were brought up to the same standard."