Ilkley Grammar School has been selected for the next phase of the national Schools Rebuilding Programme, the government initiative which aims to deliver 500 rebuilding projects over the next decade, supported by £1 billion in funding.
Ilkley Grammar School is one of 61 schools who have been approved in the latest round of applications and the only school in the Bradford and Craven districts.
Headteacher, Carly Purnell says the full scope of the project is still to be confirmed and building works are unlikely to start for at least another 18 months.
She said: “It will involve substantial investment to rebuild and/or refurbish parts of the school. This will have a transformative impact on the learning environment at IGS and will substantially reduce our carbon footprint. It is a very exciting phase in our development, and we are looking forward to planning for the future in order to provide our students and staff with the state-of-the-art, sustainable facilities which they deserve and of which they can be proud.
“I hope you agree that this is fantastic news for our students, staff, our local community, and future generations living in Ilkley, Ben Rhydding, Burley-in Wharfedale, Menston, Addingham and surrounding areas. We have worked hard and carefully invested to maintain and improve parts of our ageing estate, but we would not be able to generate the level of investment required to make a significant difference without the level of capital funding offered by the Schools Rebuilding Programme.
“The principle of sustainability which underpins the Schools Rebuilding Programme means all renovations will be energy efficient, resilient to climate risks and will aim to be net-zero in operation. This will mean a cleaner, greener environment for us all and world-class facilities to mirror the exceptional quality and ambitions of the IGS community.
“I look forward to being able to share further details as they emerge in due course.”
Ilkley MP Robbie Moore said: “I am absolutely delighted that after much lobbying on this in Westminster, I have managed to secure this much-needed funding for Ilkley Grammar School to improve their facilities. I raised this issue directly with the Education Secretary in the House of Commons Chamber to bring it to the forefront of the Government’s attention, and I am delighted they have responded.
"Ilkley Grammar School is a fantastic place, and all the staff there do a great job for our local young people. However, there is no denying parts of the school need funding for building repair, so these monies will help provide a better learning environment.
"As your local MP, I do all I can to get the job done and make sure Ilkley gets the support it deserves. Securing this funding was important, but I will keep pushing to make sure our town can get even more.”
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