Doug Naysmith MP and Councillor Roger Hutchinson today met with Jim Knight MP, Minister for Schools, to discuss the future of secondary schools within the Filton and Patchway part of South Gloucestershire.  The meeting followed the selection of Filton High School by South Gloucestershire Council to receive a grant of £25 million for rebuilding as a ‘Pathfinder’ under the Building Schools for the Future program.

It was arranged to explain to the Minister the possible effects on Patchway Community College when Filton High School is rebuilt.  The Minister was pressed for further funding to develop Patchway Community College, which is currently using buildings over 50 years old.

Following the meeting, Cllr Hutchinson, leader of the Labour group at South Gloucestershire Council said ‘I was very pleased with the reception from the Minister and his officials and the positive nature of the discussion.’

While recognising that funding had been provided for the new school in Bradley Stoke and the rebuilding of Filton High School, the Minister undertook to explore other sources of funding to try to ensure Patchway is not allowed to fall behind.

Ideas discussed included suggestions from the Local Authority that funding streams for Academies may be utilised, in addition to other possible sources being explored.

Doug Naysmith said, ‘I will continue to press the Minister to ensure that all schools in the area benefit from increased government funding.’

For more information please contact:
Doug Naysmith MP on 0207 219 4187 or 07762060931
Cllr Roger Hutchinson on 07973 198677 or 01454 864048