Primary schools to benefit from £11m modernisation

Doncaster's Primary Capital Programme, part of a 14 year national scheme to improve primary schools, has been allocated 10.8m from the Government's Department for Children, Schools and Families.

This money will be spent during the next two years on the first five primary and junior schools to benefit from the programme.

Doncaster Council's cabinet member for children's services, Coun Andrea Milner, said: "This investment in our schools is tremendous news.

"Doncaster's Primary Capital Programme will improve five of our primary and junior schools, creating the right environment for the delivery of a world class education that provides our young people and the wider community with the skills they need in the 21st century."

Kirk Sandall and Saltersgate junior schools and Town Field primary school will each benefit from modernisation, including a new multi-use hall.

Carcroft and Owston Park primary schools, meanwhile, will also be significantly refurbished as part of the plans.

These five schools were identified for priority by Doncaster Council. The main aims of Doncaster's Primary Capital Programme are to reduce surplus places, improve the condition and suitability of buildings, raise educational attainment and help tackle deprived areas.

Planning and consultation for the next phase of work is currently being undertaken.

Helen Bellinger, headteacher at Town Field Primary School, said: "Town Field Primary is very much looking forward to improving and modernising its facilities, as the school has struggled for many years with a large number of pupils and limited space.

"This project will enable us to deliver a more exciting and innovative curriculum and we look forward to the benefits this will bring to the whole school community."

Simon Hickton, headteacher at Carcroft Primary School, added: "This is a real opportunity to create a school for the future at Carcroft that supports the specific learning and development needs of our children and becomes a real learning hub for the local community."