Many classrooms 'on the brink of collapsing' across South Yorkshire

We've been speaking to Pepe Di'iasio from Wales High School in Rotherham about the condition of their current building

Author: Chris Davis-SmithPublished 29th Mar 2023

It's thought many classrooms are 'on the brink of collapsing' across South Yorkshire.

Yesterday, the government announced that schools and colleges in England will receive £2.5 billion to upgrade buildings and create extra places.

The cash comes after years of asking by some teachers & unions who're finding a whole list of issues in their classrooms.

Wales High School in Rotherham was one of the lucky places that was chosen for fresh government investment last year, with a new facility set to be in place by the end of 2024.

Pepe Di'iasio's the Headteacher there:

"We're currently in a school with a flat roof that leaks every time it rains.

"We've got buckets in the corners of classrooms, and we have the heat which leaves the flat roof, so our energy bills are incredibly high as well.

"For many years now, the whole school community has been longing for a new and purposeful environment that helps meet the needs, aspirations, and ambitions of our young people.

"More money being pumped into schools cannot come soon enough, and it's great to see that it's finally happening."

The government insists there'll be £1.8 billion of investment into the sector over the next financial year.

It's after unions said action 'must be taken' to make sure classrooms are made safe.

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