THE creation of a state-of-the-art £75m ‘super-school’ in Winsford is a step closer.
This September, the new Cheshire West Council must present the Government with ‘readiness to deliver’ evidence to create the ‘all-through’ school for 2,000-plus pupils aged four-16.
Whitehall asked CWaC to proceed after rating the Winsford project third in a priority list of 70 authorities based on social deprivation and exam results.
The new authority must present its case by September to benefit from the present round of Building Schools for the Future funding.
“A great deal of work remains to be done if we are to make the deadline – but this is a wonderful opportunity for Winsford and we’re determined to get the job done,” said John Stephens, the council’s director of children’s and young people’s services.
“It’s a truly transformational project representing a substantial and aspirational change to outcomes for children, young people and their families.”
He added: “In addition to providing state-of-the-art educational buildings and digital technologies for our young people, the site will also become a focus for community activities.”
Verdin and Woodford Lodge high schools, High Street Primary andŠOaklands andŠHebden Green Special schools will all become part of the new all-age school, on which workŠ could start in 2011-12.
The vast majority of the preferred site – 53 acres behind the High Street and Verdin ExchangeŠ– is already in local authority ownership.
Cllr ArthurŠHarada, executive member for education, said: “The collaboration and continuity that results from working within an all-age institution has many benefits for pupils and staff.
“Pupils and their families also benefit from improved continuity for multiagency involvement across phases and a ‘joined-up’ strategy to better meet the needs of all children.”
