Borough Life Autum 2006: Schools review underway
Wigan Council and secondary heads have met to start planning a wide-ranging review of the borough’s secondary schools.
The government is ready to give the council up to £150 million under its Building Schools for the Future initiative – but getting the cash depends on the borough having a plan that is clearly focused on the needs of young people in the 21st century.
Ged Rowney, the council’s director of children’s and young people’s services, said: “There are some major opportunities for new schools, building on the success of our existing schools.
“Over £150 million is available but we have to have a plan that is focused on the future needs of pupils, ensures our schools are in the right places and removes surplus places as the pupil population declines.
“At the end of the process the borough will have a range of high quality secondary schools fit for the 21st century, although some hard decisions may be needed along the way.”
Ministers have also promised the council an advance on the £150 million to rebuild one school ready for opening in September 2009. No decision about which one has yet been taken.