School staff welcome greener future

STAFF at a secondary school have welcomed the start of a major refurbishment project.
By The Newsroom
Published 23rd Sep 2013, 10:15 BST

East Riding Council is paying for £2.1m of improvements to Longcroft in Beverley, which is to get a new roof, windows, doors and cladding.

The work will improve the thermal efficiency of the building, cut carbon emissions and “significantly” reduce the school’s energy bills, the council said.

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“It will also improve the internal environment of the building, making it a much more pleasant place for teaching and learning,” a spokeswoman added.

Councillor Julie Abraham, portfolio holder for children, young people and education, said: “I am delighted that these works have got under way, improving the environment for both students and staff.

“This year Longcroft had its best ever GCSE results and we hope these improvements will help to build on its recent successes.”

Headteacher Ian O’Donnell said the improvements were being matched by the school’s academic performance, making it an exciting year for Longcroft.

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“We are very grateful to East Riding of Yorkshire Council for funding this important scheme,” he added.

“The refurbishment of windows and roofs will not only improve the look of the school, but the long-term benefits of having a better insulated building will, over time, see energy costs reduce, along with our carbon footprint.

“It may also release funds to spend on teaching and learning.

“This is a lengthy project, which will take most of the school year to complete, but once finished we can start addressing improvements to the internal fabric of the school.

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“With a physically improved building, A-level results that are classed as ‘excellent’ against national bench marks, a judgement of ‘good’ from Ofsted and this year achieving our highest ever GCSE results, these are definitely exciting and positive times for everyone – students, staff and parents.”

Although nearly every school in Hull has been rebuilt or remodelled under its £380m Building Schools for the Future programme, the East Riding missed out on the scheme three years ago, despite making an “expression of interest” for up to £80m.