Funding joy for Serlby Park pupils

The long-awaited funding will create a new state-of-the-art building housing all pupils aged 3-19 on one purpose-built site.

The news has been welcomed by the community who have long campaigned for a modern school campus in the town.

Coun David Challinor said the funding green light shows Harworth and Bircotes is ‘really on the move’.

“This has been a long time coming and it just shows that good things come to those who wait,” he said.

“This town is undergoing a major regeneration and it will be great to have a brand-new school that is fit for purpose for our community.”

Coun Frank Hart was also heavily involved in the Save Our School (SOS) campaign and said it was ‘fantastic’ news.

“It will be a great asset to Harworth and Bircotes and it will secure the future educational needs of our children,” he said.

“This completely justifies the selfless hard work and dedication carried out by many individuals in our campaign and my thanks go out to all those involved.”

“I hope the project gets underway as soon as possible.”

Added Coun Sheila Place: “We have been left out too long - this is great news for the town.”

Principal Jo Edwards, who is about to take a one year secondment with the School Partnership Trust Acadmies as an academy advisor, said the funding is the best leaving present.

“In the four years I have been here we have campaigned to keep the school open and sought the recognition this learning community deserves,” she said.

“The rapidly rising standards and the £10m investment ensures Serlby Park Academy will have a long and successful future.”

Chair of governors Paul Hirst said the governing body are celebrating the ‘welcome injection’ of capital investment.

“We look forward in due course to working with our sponsors, the School Partnership Trust, the county council and the Education Funding agency to clarify the scope of work earmarked for the school.”