Two high schools to be replaced?

TWO Warrington high schools could be completely rebuilt and two others given major facelifts if the borough council wins early entry into a Government school building programme.
Town Hall chiefs have given the go-ahead for a submission of “an expression of interest” for early inclusion in the Building Schools for the Future (BSF) investment programme.
Currently, the borough could not expect to benefit under the programme until at least 2017.
But changes in the criteria could mean work could start in Warrington much earlier.
The four schools identified to benefit from an £80 million package are William Beamont and Penketh High, which would be completely rebuilt and Sir Thomas Boteler and Padgate High, which would receive major refurbishment.
A follow-on project – valued at between £100 million and £150,000 million – can also be indicated.
Warrington has identified Cardinal Newman High, for a part replacement-part refurbishment scheme, possibly in conjunction with replacing mobile classrooms at St Gregory’s High.
Bridgewater High has also been listed for, ideally, a replacement school on a single site.
Although work is also necessary at Birchwood High, and Great Sankey High these could only benefit under BSF in the long term, after the council had committed its own funds and with funding from the Learning and Skills Council.
Lymm High, which is Warrington’s highest performing school in the least deprived area, will rely on council and Learning and Skills Council funding for further developments.
Coun Sheila Woodyatt, the borough’s executive member for Children’s Services said an announcement on the BSF programme was expected in the summer.
“The key is to get in early with a bid that meets the criteria,” she said.