Leeds high school revamp plan gets go-ahead

Three high schools in Leeds are set to be revamped despite fears government cuts would result in plans being axed.

City schools have already benefited from funds through the Leeds Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme.

But earlier this year the government called for the remaining projects to be cut by up to 40%, casting doubt over plans for the final three schools.

Work on Mount St Mary's, Corpus Christi Catholic College and Parklands Girls' High will now go-ahead.

Revised costs were submitted in November by Education Leeds and now Partnerships for Schools - which is delivering the BSF programme on behalf of the government - confirmed all three would go-ahead, with cuts of 5% to Corpus Christi and Mount St Mary's and 25% to the Parklands budget.

Nigel Richardson, director of children's services at Leeds City Council, said: "I am pleased that we reached an agreement with the government which will ensure these three schools will still benefit from BSF improvements.

"Young people at all three can now look forward to learning in the new facilities which will also provide valuable amenities to local communities.

"We will now work to move these projects on so the new buildings are available for use as quickly as possible."

Work is due to start at Corpus Christi and Mount St Mary's in April and at Parklands in September.