SCHOOLS across Bolton will receive a slice of a £434m fund to improve their buildings.

A total of 16 high schools and primaries successfully bid for cash for works ranging from reducing anti-social behaviour to heating replacement.

Schools set to benefit include all three governed by the Bishop Fraser Trust, which applied for funding for security fencing for St James CE High School in Farnworth, Bolton St Catherine's Academy in Harwood and Canon Slade to improve safeguarding and reduce anti-social behaviour.

The Bolton News:

Earlier this year, just before lockdown vandals have caused thousands of pounds-worth of damage after breaking into a building site at Bolton St Catherine's Academy, delaying improvement work.

They wrecked machinery and outbuildings belonging to the contractors

CEO of the Bishop Fraser Trust Tania Lewyckyj said she was delighted that all three "safeguarding" bids were successful, which will include improving perimeter fencing.

She said: "It is all about keeping our children's space safe and in good condition.

"We have had several years of support from this academy fund and will continue to bid for future improvements in our schools."

St James' CE High School has previously received a multi-million pound award from the same po to build a new teaching and learning block replacing an old dilapidated building which should have been pulled down in the 1980s.

The Bolton News:

Other schools set to benefit are: St Gregory's RC School in Farnworth; St Bede's CE Academy, Morris Green; Eagley Infant School; St Paul's CE Primary, Astley Bridge; Smithills School; Essa Primary School; Bowness Primary; Little Lever School; Rivington and Blackrod High School; St Peter's Smithills Dean CE; St Maxentius CE, Bradshaw and Beacon Primary School.

Work ranges from gas works, to roof repairs, toilet refurbishments, replacement of windows and doors to upgrading fire alarm system and heating.

The Bolton News:

Bolton Council’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Cllr Anne Galloway, said: “Every young person in Bolton deserves the best possible start in life.

“A vital part of achieving this is providing a quality education in a safe and well-equipped environment.

“I am delighted this money has been allocated and the funding will help schools across Bolton make the vital repairs and improvements that will make a real difference for pupils.”

Bolton North East MP Mark Logan said the fund will "ensure the schools have well-maintained facilities to provide students with safe environments that support a high-quality education".

He said: "The pandemic has impacted the progress of our children, who have been kept from their friends, their teachers and their schools.

“As we exit lockdown we must focus on getting children back to school – and ensure that schools have the facilities and classrooms they need to support the high-quality education our children deserve.

“This funding will help ensure all children have the very best possible schools and education, enabling them to gain all the knowledge and skills they need for success.”

The Bolton News:

Education Secretary, Gavin Williamson said: “My number-one focus will always be to make sure every student has access to excellent education and training.

“Replacing and upgrading poor condition school and college buildings with modern, energy efficient designs will give our students and teachers the environment they deserve, and support them to maximise their potential."