Lytham St Annes High School will be one of the first in the country to benefit from the Government’s School Rebuilding Programme.
The school is one of 50 nationally to share in the £1 billion investment, and will see the replacement of 70 per cent of the school’s classrooms, as well as the creation of new state-of-the-art sporting facilities.
Headteacher Ray Baker, said: “We have worked closely with the DfE over recent months to see what might be possible on our site. Despite spending extensively to maintain our current facilities, it has become clear that a newly-designed, environmentally-friendly alternative would provide a facility for this area that would benefit everyone, for a long time to come.
“It is also exciting to be part of a scheme that commits to reducing the carbon footprint, aiming for us to be a Net Carbon Zero site.
“Whilst we have always believed that the success and strength of our school is in the pupils, the culture and the behaviour it will be lovely to match our excellent reputation and track record in the classroom with first class facilities.”
Fylde MP Mark Menzies said: “This is fantastic news for Lytham and St Annes. Mr Baker has made immense changes at the school since coming in. He had already secured a new technology block and made further improvements to the school buildings.
“This new project, thanks to his vision and the Government’s funding, will ensure a wonderful school environment for students for generations to come. The high school will have the best facilities available anywhere in the country.”
Mr Menzies wrote to ministers and met with the Education Secretary virtually to support the building programme at the High School.
Project planning is already advanced on the multi-million pound scheme and it is understood Lytham St Annes High School will be among the first projects to see work begin.
Education Secretary, Gavin Williamson said: “The rebuilding projects are just the start of our major ten-year programme, transforming hundreds of schools and improving the education of tens of thousands of children. Alongside this, over 15,500 children will now benefit from 21 new free schools across the country as we look to build back better after the pandemic.
“I am determined to get all children back into education as soon as possible, and will make sure we do not let the pandemic stand in the way of giving every young person the opportunity to succeed, progress and fulfil their potential”
In June 2020, the Prime Minister announced “Over £1bn to fund the first 50 projects of a new, ten-year school rebuilding programme, starting from 2020-21” where “Rebuilding projects will be greener, helping meet the government’s net zero target, and will focus on modern construction methods to create highly skilled jobs and boost the construction sector.”
This programme will also create vital jobs and apprenticeships in the construction industry, with suppliers offering training opportunities as part of their work on the rebuilds. Through its continued commitment to achieve its net zero target, the Government is also ensuring these schools will be built greener – supporting green jobs as it builds Britain back better, fairer and greener.
Lytham School’s Foundation has also worked with the school throughout the recent pandemic to ensure children in the area have not been disadvantaged by the school closure. Its support has allowed the school to create a bespoke Catch Up Centre to support any students who have struggled over lockdown.