Steve McCabe MP is asking the Government why there is no money to save Baverstock Academy in Druids Heath despite announcing that over £320 million worth of funding will be available for new grammar schools in the budget.
The announcement was made ahead of tomorrow’s budget where the Chancellor is expected to confirm funding of £320million for new free and grammar schools and £216million to refurbish existing schools.
Baverstock Academy was highly rated before the Government allowed it to convert to a Single Trust Academy in 2013, the school has since suffered financial problems and a drop in pupil numbers. The Government promised to save the School and find a new sponsor but then withdrew their support and decided to shut the school down.
Local MP, Steve McCabe said:
“If there is over half a billion pounds up for grabs to open new grammar schools and help refurbish existing schools why on earth can’t Baverstock Academy be saved? It is ridiculous to spend huge amounts of tax payers money opening new selective grammar schools when we could save a local school that we know is needed to meet growth in demand for secondary school places over the next few years.
“My question to the Chancellor is – doesn’t Baverstock and Druids Heath deserve their fair share of investment in education? What have you got against these parents and pupils?’
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