Weston-super-Mare MP John Penrose is celebrating today following confirmation the government has allocated £14m to turn Wyvern School into an academy.
The local MP was told the good news privately a few days ago and spoke to David Carter, Executive Principal of the Cabot Learning Federation (the charity that wants to turn the school into the Hans Price Academy), yesterday to congratulate him and his team.
Funding for the project was reconsidered in August last year after the government reassessed all academy projects whose capital plans were still under review. It was feared that because of the enormous budget deficit the money would not be available to rebuild the school. But, thanks to representations made by the school and the Cabot Learning Federation, as well as by John Penrose to Education Secretary Michael Gove and his department on their behalf, the funding has been granted.
John said: “This is absolutely fantastic news. Many people were rightly concerned about the future of the project given the state of the country’s finances. But, thanks to the hard work of everyone involved, the project can now go ahead.
“This is the latest example of investment in Weston and shows that if we make our case strongly in Westminster the town’s future is looking bright.”