FLINTSHIRE Council is investing in improving facilities at a high school.
Following a commitment from the council's cabinet to continue to support investment into Flintshire education, it has been agreed to put capital investment into St David’s High School to address capacity issues and support teaching and learning improvements through a major programme of refurbishment and refiguration.
Primary school data indicates that two out of the three current English medium community primary schools in the Saltney and Broughton area would be sufficient to meet pupil demand and create a more sustainable model of provision for the future.
The council’s preferred option is that Saltney Ferry C.P. and Saltney Wood Memorial C.P. are amalgamated into one school on the current Wood Memorial site in a brand new, state of the art education facility with Broughton C.P. remaining as it is.
More than 1,500 people responded to an early engagement exercise to gauge the views of the community to shape the future of educational provision in the area.
The consultation revealed that the community understands the need for change, but predominantly wishes for the council to retain their existing schools and provide refurbishment and/or extensions to the current buildings.
Steven Richardson, St David's High School headteacher, said: "On behalf of the staff, students, and wider community, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Flintshire County Council for its significant investment in St David’s High School. This funding will be transformative in enhancing our facilities, supporting our students' learning experience, and ensuring our school remains a vibrant centre of educational excellence.
"This investment is a vital step in our journey to providing our students with the very best resources, giving them the tools that they need to succeed academically, socially, and personally. The commitment shown by the council underscores its recognition of the importance of education in shaping our community's future, and we are immensely grateful for its support."
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He added: "I would also like to extend a sincere thank you to governors, students, staff, parents and local councillors as well as the 1,500 local residents who took the time to complete the recent community survey.
"Your valuable feedback has been instrumental in guiding the improvements and will ensure that the school's development reflects the needs and aspirations of our wider community. Your input is crucial in helping us maintain a close and positive relationship with the local area.
"Together, we are building a brighter future for St David’s High School and the Broughton / Saltney community. Thank you again to everyone involved in making this possible."
Saltney Ferry councillor, Richard Lloyd, said: "We're over the moon as councillors for the children and residents, it's really good news for the area.
"I know people are worried about Saltney Ferry Primary School closing but there will be a safer routes to school (programme). This isn't going to happen overnight, we're talking five or six years down the line and those sorts of problems will be sorted out."
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