Rising pupil numbers prompt move to turn training centre into school

If given the go-ahead, parts of the Heath Training and Development Centre, a former school, would be refurbished to provide extra school places in Halifax.

Other primary schools in the town have been asked if they would be willing to manage the new provision.

Current forecasts suggest Calderdale is facing a shortfall of 150 primary school places over the next three years.

Councillors will consider the idea alongside wider proposals for investment in schools including a new building at Todmorden High.

Megan Swift, cabinet member for children and young people’s services, said: “We have been working hard to get the best out of available resources, to create new primary school places in Halifax as well as addressing the condition of some of our worst school buildings.

“We know that there are massive needs throughout the borough, but believe the proposals brought forward represent the best value for money in terms of the number of places created and the number of buildings we can bring up to modern standards.

“By investing in our schools now, it will ensure we are ready to cope with growing demand, and the new, improved school facilities will benefit communities across Calderdale.

“This builds on the proposal we have already agreed which will see Halifax High School become an all through school, ultimately creating two new forms of entry.”

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