Justin recently visited Highworth Warneford to discuss the school’s exciting plans for the future. The school continues to go from strength to strength, with school place applications once again being fully taken.
The ambitious school is determined to improve the facilities and since 2012 they have already successfully secured four bids from the Academies Capital Maintenance Fund covering:
a) New Science block roof - £26,000.
b) Upgraded mains electricity with new switchgear - £47,000.
c) Replaced metal frame windows, with double-glazed windows - £99,000.
d) Refurbishment of three Science classrooms - £138,000.
Building on this work, the school is now ready to progress with their £2,000,000 plans for their very own Sports Hall. This would provide a much needed facility for the school. At presents the students have to walk to the Highworth Rec. This not only eats into lesson time, but is an ongoing safety concern with the busy roads and is an understandable nightmare with the British weather!
The proposed new sports hall facility would comprise of four sports courts, two classrooms and changing rooms. In addition, the facilities would be used by the school during the day time and then be made available for community use in the evenings and weekends.
If the bid is successful then the Highworth Rec may lose its existing ‘trade’ of the students; however Justin is keen to sit down with the Rec to look at alternatives. In recent years, the Rec has seen a growing number of after school clubs open for children such as dance academies, gymnastics clubs etc and Justin will work to ensure that new groups use the Rec sports hall to help replace any lost income.
Justin Tomlinson MP said: “I was incredibly impressed just how professionally prepared the plans are and they will have my absolute full support. The school is going from strength-to-strength and its plans to improve education through physical activity show how keen the school is to give children the best possible start in life.
