Saddleworth School ‘past sell-by date’

THE head of Saddleworth School today told the Chronicle: “We are propping this building up.”

Matthew Milburn is in charge of the 1,350-pupil Saddleworth school, which has been pivotal in arguments that have raged for more than a year.

Mr Milburn said: “The existing school building is simply past its sell-by date. Water is getting in the school’s fabric all over the place.

“We are spending a fortune on trying to keep the school up to the mark, but it’s a losing battle. There are just so many problems and we are simply just propping the school buildings up.”

He said designs for the new school will include “home bases” - shared areas for specific lessons across age groups.

“These will include history, maths, RE,” Mr Milburn explained. “We have listened to parents and these new ideas will create areas with more connections to teachers.

“There will be specialist technical rooms to aid student development in their chosen subjects. The new school will offer pupils excellent canteen facilities. They’ll have time and space to enjoy their meals with friends.”

The school’s community facilities will include a sports hall with activity suites and fitness studios.