More government money is coming to Sandwell and is directed at the education sector, proving once again government and Conservative commitment to a better education for all.
The Clarkes Lane site of the Phoenix Collegiate Academy in Hateley Heath will be largely rebuilt. Phoenix Collegiate was formed in 2010 as a result of the amalgamation of Menzies High school and Manor High school. Initially, under the local authority, the bird failed to fly and in September 2012 Ofsted rated it “inadequate”. A further inspection in 2013 upgraded it to “requires improvement”. Since, it has, as an academy, seen examination results soar.
Money for the re-build is coming from the government’s £6 billion Priority Schools Building Programme which replaced the last government’s one size fits all, wasteful and expensive Building Schools for the Future scheme.
Head teacher, Gary Hill said “It is terrific. Some of the facilities we are getting are going to be wonderful” and described the project as “a great asset to the community”.
The re-build will be carried out by Wolverhampton based Carillion and is estimated to be completed in 2017, with a project provisional start time of Autumn 2015. Planning approval is currently awaited.