New and improved facilities for three schools

Matthew Moss High School

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It’s out with the old and in with the new for students at three secondary schools in the borough as they start their new school term.

Construction work has been progressing rapidly over the summer holidays ready to welcome back staff and pupils into transformed teaching and learning facilities.

At Matthew Moss High School in Rochdale almost half of the school’s teaching facilities, including specialist areas such as science, have been totally remodelled, there is a new student reception area and pupil dining areas have been increased substantially and completely redesigned.

At Siddal Moor Sports College in Heywood, students can now enjoy improved dining and sports facilities in addition to their brand new teaching block which was opened in May.

And Cardinal Langley RC High in Middleton now boasts upgraded sixth form and sports facilities, as well as new sports changing and staff facilities. The existing assembly hall, chapel and dining hall have also all been completely refurbished, including new access doors, windows and floor finishes.

The new and improved facilities are part of Rochdale Borough Council’s ongoing investment in secondary education across the borough, with funding secured through the Building Schools for the Future programme.

The investment programme is being delivered by the council’s local education partnership, inspiredspaces Rochdale, and their main building contractor, Carillion.

Claire Butler, General Manager of inspiredspaces Rochdale, said: “Both inspiredspaces and Carillion are strongly committed to supporting local people and businesses. To date we have created 44 local job opportunities and recruited 22 local apprentices on the projects.”

“In addition, we have placed a significant number of works subcontracts and packages with local contractors and suppliers from all areas of the borough, meaning that over £5m has been reinvested in the local economy so far - with a further eight schemes still to be completed.”

Construction work is due to start later this month on three further schemes, Darnhill Study Centre (part of the Brownhill Learning Community) and Holy Family RC & CE College, both in Heywood, and Middleton Technology School. The schemes have been developed through close working with teachers and students and with a focus on ensuring that the new facilities will support the schools’ aspirations for their students.

Cheryl Eastwood, Executive Director, Children’s Services at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “Education is central to the future prosperity of the borough and I’m thrilled to see the investment in schools giving great opportunities to our young people.”