FUNDING which will be used to improve two Barrow schools has been welcomed by the MP for Barrow and Furness.

The Secretary of State has today announced the outcome of the Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) for schools, for the year 2022-23 round of funding, with the Government announcing £498 million for 1,405 projects at 1,129 academies, sixth-form colleges and voluntary aided schools.

Chetwynde School will receive money for Boiler Plant and Infrastructure Replacement and Associated Works and for an internal fire door to be replaced, along with associated works. Meanwhile Victoria Academy will have essential electrical rewiring works.

The core priority of the CIF is keeping eligible academy, sixth-form college and voluntary aided school buildings safe and in good working order.

Most CIF funding aims to support schools in addressing issues with significant consequences that revenue or Devolved Formula Capital funding cannot meet. This includes addressing issues such as poor building condition, building compliance, energy efficiency and health and safety.

CIF also supports a small proportion of expansion projects for Ofsted rated good or outstanding academies, sixth-form colleges and voluntary aided schools that need to expand their existing facilities and/or floor space to either increase the number of admissions in the main year of entry or address overcrowding.

Welcoming the funding boost, Simon Fell MP said: “I understand from the many conversations that I have with school Heads, just how costly it is to maintain school buildings, so that they’re safe, warm, and dry for pupils and staff.

“That is why I welcome this significant funding boost for Chetwynde, and Victoria Academy. The work will improve the condition of the building at these schools, to create the best possible environment for children to learn, so that they have the very best start in life.”