Millions given to Warrington schools for more places

The money has been raised through planning application requirements imposed on the developers of the Omega site.

Developers of the massive housing site are required by Warrington Borough Council to make financial contributions to the community through what is known as a Section 106 order.

Now, the council has revealed where some of the S106 money will be going.

Four schools across Warrington will benefit from the multimillion pound investment (Image: Newsquest)

Four schools in Warrington are set to benefit from some of the cash, which will be used to expand the number of school places that each institution can offer.

The council says these are vital investments due to Warrington's increasing number of school-age children.

Cllr Sarah Hall, cabinet member for children’s services said: “Warrington has an increasing number of school-aged children and it is vital that we have sufficient school places to support this.

"These plans are focused on meeting the needs of local children and families, ensuring that they receive a first-class education.

“Warrington is a diverse borough and we continue to welcome new families and young people into the area.

"The excellent reputation of our schools has seen us face unprecedented demand for in-year school places.

Cllr Hall added: “Warrington is a great place to live.

"The fact that people want to come to Warrington is a reflection of the superb schools we have here and the amazing teachers and school staff, as well as the wonderful support they receive from parents.”

As per the council, the following schools will be receiving chunks of the investment on offer:

• Barrow Hall Primary School
• Great Sankey Primary School
• Chapelford Primary School
• Sir Thomas Boteler High School

Barrow Hall will receive £448,000 in order to replace/refurbish their temporary classroom.

This would be fully funded from S106 and would provide the additional resources required to provide a total of 36 additional places across years 3, 4, 5 and year 6 class over the next four years. 

Cllr Sarah Hall has praised the investment into the town's schools (Image: Sarah Hall)

Great Sankey Primary will get £1.8million in order to increase the capacity of the school by 105 places - this is part-funded by S106 contributions (£307,000) with the rest coming from basic need (£1.493million).

Chapelford Primary will create 120 temporary places through the investment of £1.35million, which comes from a basic needs grant.

Sir Thomas Boteler will be getting £300,000 to fund 75 new school places across all year groups - this is fully funded by the S106 contributions.

Other schools to have benefitted from S106 contributions in the past include:

• Great Sankey High School
• St Philip's Primary School
• St Gregory's Catholic High School
• Penketh High School

Warrington Borough Council is the strategic commissioner of school places in the borough, with a legal duty to ensure there are sufficient and suitable school places for all children of compulsory school age.