Co-op Academy Smithies Moor has today, 12th July 2022 been named as one of the schools prioritised for the School Rebuilding Programme.

The Department for Education will start a project to replace or refurbish one or more buildings at the school, as appropriate, setting the school up for high educational standards for all its pupils for decades to come.

Co-op Academy Smithies Moor, supported by Co-op Academies Trust will work with the Department for Education to agree the educational design of the project and the timeframe for delivery. Over the course of the work there will be minimal disruption at Smithies Moor, ensuring all of the children get the best education possible.

The details of the development have not yet been agreed, though the school plans to share updates as they approach the building work. 

Head of Academy at Smithies Moor, Catherine Brackenbury said:

“We are so excited to have a new building on the horizon. We have long felt that our building does not match the forward thinking approach of our school. To have a state-of -the-art facility will better reflect our ethos and will be wonderful for our children. 

It will be transformational not just for pupils but for our whole school community. It will add an excellent facility to the local community for all to benefit from for many years to come.”

Chris Tomlinson, CEO of Co-op Academies Trust said:

“It’s wonderful news that investment in education is happening through projects like the School Rebuild Programme.  The building is the old Heckmondwike Secondary school, which was repurposed for Smithies Moor in the 90’s. This new building will be purpose-built with primary education in mind, and is fantastic for the community.”

Across the School Rebuilding Programme, the rebuilds and refurbishments will create modern education environments, providing new facilities from classrooms and science labs, to sports halls and dining rooms.

The new school buildings will also be net-zero carbon in operation, helping meet the government’s net zero target.

The programme is due to deliver 500 rebuilding projects over the next decade, which will benefit tens of thousands of pupils over their lifetime.

This school is part of an announcement of 61 new projects, including primary, secondary and special schools, levelling up opportunities across the entire country.

Education Secretary James Cleverly said: 

“Our School Rebuilding Programme is already making a difference to the lives of pupils and their teachers. It is creating greener school sites that are fit for the future and that local communities can be proud of. 

“We know how important it is to have high-quality school facilities. That is why we continue to invest billions in our rebuilding programme.”

Co-op Academy Smithies Moor will be revealing detailed plans in the near future.