Aiming for a £150 million revolution in secondary education

Date published: 12/09/2006

The future of education in Rochdale could be transformed if Council plans for a £150 million bid to improve secondary schools in the Borough get the green light.

The Council has been invited to join one of the next waves of the Building Schools for the Future Programme - a once in a lifetime opportunity to upgrade, update and where necessary, replace schools to give Rochdale an educational infrastructure that is fit for purpose in the 21st century. 

The move comes at a time when the number of pupils in secondary education is falling and changes to provision are therefore needed. It is envisaged that in 2013/2014 there will be around 2000 fewer pupils aged 11 - 16 than in 2003/2004.  

Council leader, Alan Taylor said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for the Council to really make a difference to each and every child's life in Rochdale. It is about much more than just buildings.  It is about inspiring, motivating, encouraging and supporting our children to have dreams and to achieve them."

The Council has already invested heavily in its primary and special schools with over £45 million committed to new build over the past three years on top of general increases in schools budgets.  In the primary sector this has led to a significant improvement in performance, with average results across English, maths and science improving by four times the national average. 

Further investment in secondary schools and post 16 education is now necessary and informal consultation with head teachers, service providers and other key stakeholders has already commenced.

Councillors are expected to give their permission for a programme of consultation meetings/events to consider outline proposals following the Cabinet meeting on 18 September.

• View the outline proposals media/SchoolsBSF.doc