Queen Katherine School governors pledge cash for upgrade (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Queen Katherine School governors pledge cash for upgrade

11:00am Monday 22nd October 2012 in News By Stephanie Manley, Reporter

A KENDAL school is to benefit from refurbishment and a new research building after governors confirmed the release of £500,000 from reserves.

The money comes in addition to £200,000 already spent at Queen Katherine School over the summer, and an £870,000 Government grant to improve existing buildings.

Deputy head teacher Gareth Roscoe said: “The improvement works will not only benefit students and staff at The Queen Katherine School but also a future generation of students and learners from Kendal.

“It is fantastic to see a team of governors supporting the work of the school and inves-ting so heavily in enhancing facilities and buildings.”

The areas of spending, to be agreed in more detail by the governors’ business, finance and audit committee, are: * A new staff development and research centre; * Refurbishment of classrooms, curriculum and cor-ridors through redecoration, re-carpeting and upgrade; * A major upgrade to the wireless network with move to one-to-one devices such as iPads for staff and students; * Refurbishment and equipment in design technology areas to create a state-of-the-art technology and engineering department; * Replacement of school glazing and outdated window systems.

Co-chair of governors Gary Marshall said: “I am proud of the school’s ability to both attract grant funding and run so efficiently to allow a build-up of reserves to improve the provision for our students.

“I am also pleased that we are able to keep a substantial reserve in these economically uncertain times”.

The plans were discussed by governors at an ‘away day’ held at the Castle Green Hotel.

Head teacher Stephen Wilkinson said: “The day was quite inspirational, with members of the school leadership team and one of our specialist leaders in education spelling out our vision for even greater commitment to system-wide improvement in education.”

Co-chair of governors Sylvia Emmott said: “ With excellent management it is great that the school is able to continue to invest in buildings for students now and for those who will join school in the future and also in a research centre to ensure the school retains its status.”