School waits for funding decision

SADDLEWORTH School is celebrating a windfall under a rebuilding programme – but is yet to find out how much money it will get. 

As reported in Friday’s Chronicle, the school has won a share of a new Government £2.4 billion schools rebuilding pot – while Royton and Crompton School missed out.

The school’s relocation to a new building, or alternatively the current school’s refurbishment, will depend on the amount received.

Saddleworth School headteacher Matthew Milburn said: “We are delighted that we are on the list. We don’t know yet how much the Government are talking about or what the timeframe is.”

Under the previous Labour Government’s Building Schools For The Future scheme – axed in 2010 – the Uppermill school planned to move to a former pallet mill in Diggle.

But Mr Milburn stressed: “This is a very different type of scheme. It’s a significantly reduced programme. We don’t know whether the school will be replaced or refurbished.

“Every child regardless of where they go to school deserves the very best building we can provide for them but we must wait and see what the finances are being made available.”


READ the full version of this story only in our print and eChron editions

Follow us on Twitter - @OldhamChronicle