Education Questions

On 16 January 2023 Education Questions where scheduled for answer by Ministers. Regarding one question, the Minister was asked what steps her Department is taking to improve school buildings. I was called and asked the Minister:

‘The Minister of State, the right hon. Member for Bognor Regis and Littlehampton (Nick Gibb), visited Joseph Leckie Academy, which really helped, and I had a good meeting with the heads of Joseph Leckie and Blue Coat Church of England Academies along with my friend the hon. Member for Worcester (Mr Walker). However, the schools still lost out. Will the Secretary of State, or one of her Ministers, meet those two heads and me to find out why on earth they cannot succeed in obtaining funds for vital repairs?’

The Minister responded:

‘Obviously some schools are disappointed that they did not have access to those funds. We have announced funding for 400 schools so far and a further 100 will be included in future rounds, but we would be happy to meet the right hon. Lady.’

I am pleased that the Minister is willing to meet with me and the Heads of Joseph Leckie and Blue Coat Academy to discuss the ongoing issue of repairs to school buildings. The two schools still require major works. Joseph Leckie needs a new Dining Hall and Blue Coat needs a new heating system.