Schools’ £500m upgrade begins (From The Advertiser Series)

Schools’ £500m upgrade begins

11:40am Thursday 9th July 2009

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A £500M ten-year building scheme to transform secondary schools across the county got under way in Sedgefield.

Sedgefield Community College became one of the first schools in County Durham to benefit from the Government’s nationwide Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme.

Its outdated 1950s and 1970s building will be completely rebuilt over the next 18 months to offer energy efficient facilities for 850 students.

The design maximises the use of daylight with classrooms leading off a central, open plan area.

The college farm will also remain an important part of the new school.

Headteacher Dave Davies said: “This is an extremely exciting time for us.

“We have already seen a huge increase in the level of student achievement in recent years and we see this as a major defining moment in the next phase in our development. Our new building will be a real boost and it gives us an exciting opportunity that will help to raise the aspirations and achievements of our students even further.”

Staff and students watched Coun Claire Vasey, from Durham County Council, and Sedgefield MP Phil Wilson perform the official groundbreaking ceremony last Friday.

Coun Vasey said: “The new buildings and facilities that the BSF scheme will provide will enable pupils to get the most out of their education by helping and inspiring them to learn.

“We want to maximise the chances young people have to aim high, achieve and be successful. This ceremony marks the start of a transformation in education, not just for Sedgefield Community College, but for secondary schools across County Durham.”

All the new buildings will be energy efficient, with systems such as rainwater harvesting and bio-mass boilers. Construction work by contractors Inspired Spaces should offer training and work opportunities and spin-off benefits for local suppliers.

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