AN Oldham primary school is in line for a multi-million pound regeneration and expansion after an academy trust was given the go-head for funding.

Clarksfield Community Primary School, which was rated inadequate in all areas during an Ofsted inspection in May 2017, is set for conversion to join Oasis Community Learning in the new year.

The Department for Education (DfE) and Oldham Council have now approved significant funding applications from Oasis to improve the school’s buildings and learning environments for current and future pupils.

In total, Oldham Council will be investing £2.985m and Oasis is working with the government to secure capital funding to which the DfE have indicated a level of up to £1m, subject to application and approvals.

The investment will renew outdoor play spaces, redesign toilet facilities, improve heating and ventilation and reuse recreation facilities to make a new dance space.

Oasis say they are working in partnership with the council to expand the school to provide necessary additional pupil places and to complete improvement works to the school’s buildings.

The school will expand from two-form entry to three from September 2019.

Oasis says it has appointed Angela Sweeting as executive principal to work with the staff team to drive improvements at the school, and engage with parents and pupils ahead of its conversion to an academy this January.

"This funding from our partners at Oldham Council and the Department for Education is hugely exciting news for our pupils, parents and our wider community,” said Ms Sweeting.

“Together as a staff team we are making changes that will drive improvements across the school. This new investment is a great boost for us all, and will build on what we have already achieved.”

“The future is very bright for everyone involved with the school - Oasis will be taking forward plans over the coming years to invest this spending to ensure we create a great refreshed learning environment for the children.”

Councillor Paul Jacques, Oldham Council’s Cabinet Member for Education and Culture, said: “We are delighted to approve this funding for Clarksfield Primary School as it’s vital that our young people receive the best education possible in surroundings that are fit for purpose.”

“The funding is part of our commitment to invest £30m in building or extending schools across the borough, supporting our vision to raise attainment levels and standards and also helping to meet the growing demand for school places.

“Ms Sweeting and her team are doing a good job at the school and we look forward to continuing our work with them so pupils enjoy the best start in life so they can realise their potential.”

John Murphy, CEO of Oasis Community Learning, added: "We are so pleased that Clarksfield Primary will be joining our local family of eight academies in Greater Manchester, and the wider Oasis Community Learning group.”

“We are proud to be given the opportunity to serve this fantastic community, and equally we look forward to the contribution the academy will make to our mission to create "Exceptional education, at the heart of the community"."