Local MP Yvette Cooper joined with local head teachers to urge the new Conservative/Liberal Democrat government not to slash investment for local high schools.
 
On Friday the MP met with Knottingley High head teacher, Elizabeth Churton and pupils to discuss the importance of the new investment they had been promised.
 
Schools across the Wakefield district were set to receive £55million as part of the previous Labour government’s Building Schools for the Future programme (BSF). Other areas have already benefited from the programme. But the new Conservative/Liberal Democrat government is looking for cuts, and has said all plans for new school buildings must now be reviewed.
 
Yvette along with local head teachers is urging the government to keep this vital funding for local schools. She has already raised her concerns with the new Education Minister Michael Gove, who has said he is reviewing the budget.  
 
Yvette said:
 
“Schools across our area badly need this new investment. Carleton needs to finish the rest of the school after the fire. Knottingley needs a complete new building. Other schools need modern facilities too.
 
“Our high schools have been doing extremely well, improving standards. But they need new facilities for the 21st century to boost children’s education and make sure our area doesn’t fall behind.
 
“I'm urging new ministers to tell us what's going on and to make sure this schools investment is protected from cuts. The new government needs to give us some reassurance quickly. People have been working really hard on the new plans. Cutting this budget now would be really unfair on the Five Towns. Other areas have already started their new high school investment and it's only fair for children in our area to get modern facilities too."