Four schools in line for multi-million pound building cash pot

South Staffordshire MP Gavin Williamson has written to Education Secretary Nicky Morgan asking for new cash for Codsall High School, Ounsdale High School in Wombourne, and Great Wyrley High School.

He is also supporting a bid from Staffordshire County Council to the Department for Education to fund work at Edgecliff High School in Kinver.

Mr Williamson said the schools had long missed out on money for improved buildings.

He said: "I am keen to ensure that the first class teaching that goes on in these schools in South Staffordshire is matched with a first class learning environment.

"Under the previous government there was lots of money put into complete rebuilds of schools in Wolverhampton and Walsall but South Staffordshire missed out.

"Now the government is making new pots of money available for schools.

"It may not be the case that these are total rebuilds - it could in the form of some refurbishment or new buildings. But these schools are in need of upgraded facilities which I am pressing home the need for with the Department for Education.

"Some of them are using what are effectively glorified temporary classrooms.

"In the case of Edgecliff, I have spoken to schools minister David Laws to emphasise the need for this investment. When you look at all four schools we could be talking about tens of millions of pounds."

Ben Adams, Staffordshire County Council's cabinet member for Learning and Skills, confirmed a bid had gone in for the Kinver school.

He said: "A bid has been made to the Priority Schools Building Programme to fund work at Edgecliff High School, but no decision has been announced yet.

"The council has previously succeeded in winning funding to rebuild primary and secondary schools in the county and is also investing millions of pounds in building new schools to meet growing demand so that children can have a top class education close to home.

"I welcome Gavin Williamson's support on this issue and Staffordshire County Council will continue to provide the best facilities it can for our children's education."

Mr Willamson said he hopes the funding can be secured within the next two years.