Key Points
- · Bolton St Catherine's Academy has been selected for the Conservative Government's Condition Improvement Fund, receiving part of £456 million allocated to upgrade school buildings nationwide.
- · Over 1,000 projects have been approved, with 10 projects in Bolton, including capital improvements at St Catherine’s Academy.
- · The funding targets school building repairs such as replacing roofs, boilers, and windows to create safer, warmer, and more energy-efficient environments.
- · Cllr Anne Galloway emphasised the importance of investing in schools for pupils’ success and economic growth.
- · Minister for the School System, Baroness Diana Barran MBE, highlighted that over 10,000 projects have been completed through this fund, improving education quality.
- · Bolton St Catherine’s Academy is noted for modern facilities valued at £36 million and a strong emphasis on careers education aligned with government strategies.
- · The Academy provides tailored admissions processes and transition support to ensure smooth integration for incoming pupils.
What Is the Government Programme Choosing Bolton St Catherine's Academy?
As reported by Bolton Conservatives, Bolton St Catherine’s Academy is among the 859 academies, sixth-form colleges, and voluntary aided schools nationwide benefiting from the Condition Improvement Fund. This fund allocates £456 million in the 2023-24 financial year for essential improvements to make school buildings safer, warmer, and more energy efficient. Over 1,000 projects have been approved across the country, with 10 located in Bolton, including St Catherine’s Academy.
The programme follows on from wider government education investment including a £1.8 billion capital funding scheme and the ongoing Schools Rebuilding Programme, which has confirmed 239 new school buildings.
How Will the Funding Improve Bolton St Catherine's Academy?
Bolton St Catherine’s Academy will use the allocated funds to upgrade and repair vital infrastructure elements such as roofs, boilers, and windows. These improvements aim to enhance the comfort and safety of classrooms and to boost energy efficiency, contributing to more sustainable school environments.
Cllr Anne Galloway, Shadow Executive Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, stated, “We have a world-leading education system but we must continue to invest in safe, warm and energy efficient classrooms so pupils have the facilities they need to study effectively and succeed. That is why I welcome the news that the Conservative Government is investing an additional £456 million into our school buildings across the country, delivering over 1,000 building improvement projects, including 10 in Bolton”.
What Do Key Government Officials Say About the Programme?
According to Minister for the School System, Baroness Diana Barran MBE, the Condition Improvement Fund has already completed over 10,000 projects nationwide, significantly improving learning environments. She stressed the importance of ensuring every school has access to high-quality facilities for both pupils and staff.
Baroness Barran stated, “These projects help to create safer learning environments that make a difference to the quality of education for pupils. It’s hugely important that every school has access to high-quality learning facilities and these funding allocations will make sure that responsible bodies can start to plan ahead and get projects started to replace roofs, boilers and windows – so pupils and teachers can learn and work in a comfortable space”.
What Are the Facilities and Ethos of Bolton St Catherine's Academy?
Bolton St Catherine’s Academy operates from a £36 million building featuring innovative spaces and state-of-the-art facilities designed to support student learning and engagement. The Academy educates children and young people aged 3 to 16 and is rooted in a growing Christian ethos, inclusive of students from various faiths or none.
The Academy’s vision focuses on empowering students to believe in themselves, strive for goals, care for others, and achieve their potential. These values underpin both teaching and learning strategies to foster a supportive and motivating environment for all pupils.
How Does Bolton St Catherine’s Academy Support Student Careers?
Bolton St Catherine’s Academy has a robust Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) programme, structured to align with the Government’s Careers Strategy and Gatsby Benchmarks. The programme aims to equip pupils with career management skills and knowledge through personalised support, employer encounters, and integration of labour market information.
The careers team, including trained coordinators and advisers like Miss Bradburn and Mrs McCarrick, supports pupils from Year 7 to Year 11 through activities embedded within the curriculum and extra-curricular opportunities. This approach helps students make informed decisions about their futures and encourages transitions into education, employment, or training.
How Are Admissions and Transitions Managed at the Academy?
Bolton St Catherine’s Academy collaborates with Bolton Council on admissions, offering 160 places for Year 7 each year. Applications are processed through the council’s online system, with offers sent out in March. The school also supports in-year admissions and waiting list management through established appeals processes.
Parents and carers are encouraged to engage with the school through visits and information sessions to facilitate smooth transitions into secondary education. The Academy provides comprehensive admissions guidance and ensures families have clarity on procedures and timelines.