The Chief Executive of the Apollo Partnership Trust and Coalville MP Andrew Bridgen have welcomed the announcement that The Castle Rock School is to be among the first wave of 50 confirmed for the first wave of the Prime Minister's 10-year rebuilding programme.

It means the Meadow Lane school is set to be among those to benefit from new, modern, energy efficient buildings.

Castle Rock included in Government's 10-year rebuilding programme

Castle Rock is part of the Apollo Partnership Trust, and its Chief Executive Julia Patrick was delighted by the news.

She said: "We are absolutely thrilled to announce that The Castle Rock School has been named as one of the first 50 schools in the country that will benefit from the government's 'School Rebuilding Programme'

"This is a fully funded project to replace or refurbish current buildings on the school campus, creating 'modern education environments providing new facilities'.

"This is wonderful news not only for our students, but for the Coalville community as a whole.

"One of the biggest obstacles for the Trust has been the state of the old King Edward VII buildings which now form part of The Castle Rock School.

"Whilst we know that a building does not improve outcomes for our young people, we do know that having state of the art facilities and buildings, that are fit for purpose, will go a long way in supporting educational attainment and raising standards."

The refurbishments will help create modern learning environment by delivering new classrooms and science labs to sports hall and dining halls, with the majority of these projects are expected to be completed within three to five years.

Mr Bridgen, MP for North West Leicestershire, echoed those remarks.

He said that project planning is already advanced on a number of schools following site visits which took place last year, and construction will begin from autumn.

This programme will also aimed at creating vital jobs and apprenticeships in the construction industry, with suppliers offering training opportunities as part of their work on the rebuilds.

Through its continued commitment to achieve its net zero target, the Government saus it is also ensuring these schools will be built greener – supporting green jobs.

Mr Bridgen said: "In its commitment to levelling up opportunity as we build back better, this Conservative government is determined to give every child in this country the world class education they deserve.

"In providing modern, state of the art facilities, we can ensure every child, no matter where they go to school, can learn in an environment that enables them to reach their full potential".

Commenting, Education Secretary, Gavin Williamson said: "We have launched the first phase of our ambitious new schools programme, with 50 rebuilds and 21 new free schools.

"The rebuilding projects are just the start of our major ten-year programme, transforming hundreds of schools and improving the education of tens of thousands of children.

"Alongside this, over 15,500 children will now benefit from 21 new free schools across the country as we look to build back better after the pandemic.

"I am determined to get all children back into education as soon as possible, and will make sure we do not let the pandemic stand in the way of giving every young person the opportunity to succeed, progress and fulfil their potential."