SAVINGS of more than £500,000 on the renewal of ageing secondary schools in Warrington will be achieved through a partnership with the neighbouring borough of Halton.
The education partnership will involve spending of some £200 million – giving the two council’s massive bargaining power, members of Warrington’s Executive Board were told.
Coun Sheila Woodyatt, executive member for Children’s Services, said: “The savings for Warrington will be significantly in excess of £500,000.”
Council leader Ian Marks said: “We are very grateful to Halton because the benefits for us will be rather more than for them.”
Deputy leader Keith Bland added: “It is another example of working with partners for the good of the people.”
The deal between Lib Dem-Tory controlled Warrington and Labour controlled Halton will bring the benefits of the national Building Schools for the Future programme to Warrington much sooner than would otherwise be possible.
Work on new William Beamont and Penketh high schools should start in 2011 and be completed by 2013.
The Building Schools for the Future programme (BSF) is said to be the biggest-ever school buildings investment programme, with the aim of rebuilding or renewing every secondary school in England. Joint procurement will cut costs and offer other significant benefits to both authorities.
Warrington’s BSF will be brought forward because Halton is at a more advanced stage of the process and has already acquired much experience.
Initially four Warrington high schools will benefit – William Beamont, Penketh, Sir Thomas Boteler and Padgate. Eventually, however, all secondary schools in the borough will benefit.
A report to Warrington’s executive board states the average attainment level across the four selected schools is “very low.” William Beamont has been categorised as a National Challenge School which means the Government will expect the council to deliver a radical change to current education practice to bring about the “necessary step change in performance.”
The four Warrington schools have all been consulted and have given their full support to the proposals.
