| Another Step Forward for Ealing's High Schools |
Cardinal Wiseman, Dormers Wells and Acton High Cardinal Wiseman and Dormers Wells high schools will be first off the starters’ blocks in Ealing’s £300 million Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme. The Council’s Cabinet last night confirmed both schools would lead the ambitious five-year works programme, which will ultimately transform 18 schools across the borough. Under the plans Cardinal Wiseman will be substantially rebuilt and refurbished from 2010, while Dormers Wells will be completely replaced with a new school to be built on its existing site. The Cabinet also signed off proposals to add a sixth form to Acton High School, increase special educational needs places and progress plans for a new school in the north of the borough. Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Councillor Ian Gibb, said: “Ealing has a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to transform its secondary schools through the BSF programme. “Between 2010 and 2015, more than £300 million will be spent to ensure every secondary school in the borough is world class. We’ll also be building a brand new school in the north of the borough to meet the needs of our growing population. “It’s an exciting and ambitious programme that will deliver not just state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, but also raise the achievements, aspirations and life chances of our young people.” Ealing’s successful Bidders’ Preview Day on 26 November 2008 attracted strong interest from more than 150 building, construction and ICT professionals. The Council will now finalise its outline business case which it will submit to Partnerships for Schools, the organisation appointed by the Government to manage the national BSF programme. Once the business case has been signed off the Council will be allowed to start the process of finding contractors for the scheme. Work on both Cardinal Wiseman and Dormers Wells is expected to begin in October 2010, with other schools to follow from 2011-2013. All work is expected to be completed by 2015. More information on BSF can be found at www.bsf.gov.uk or on the Partnerships for Schools website www.partnershipsforschools.org.uk December 4, 2008 |