Louise Haigh MP welcomes vital investment in Willow Park School as part of national school improvement programme

Today Sheffield Heeley MP Louise Haigh has welcomed the Government’s announcement of new funding for essential school repairs. Willow Park School in her constituency is set to benefit from upgrades to heating and ventilation systems.

With up to £21.5mn being invested in schools across Yorkshire and The Humber, through the Condition Improvement Fund (CIF)

The funding is part of Labour’s mission to fix the dire state of public services inherited from the Conservatives and deliver investment and reform through the Plan for Change, supporting children to get the best start in life.

It is part of a record £2.1 billion investment into the school estate this year – £300m more than the previous year – as Labour forges on with delivering for the public by investing in our children, their futures and the future of this country.

In total 656 schools and sixth forms will benefit from a share of £470million for projects like fixing crumbling roofs and removing dangerous asbestos, restoring pride in our classrooms and undoing years of dangerous neglect.

In Sheffield Heeley, Willow Park School will receive targeted support to improve its heating and ventilation, ensuring pupils and staff have a healthier, more comfortable environment all year round.

A further £1.4 billion will back the acceleration of the School Rebuilding Programme this year, with a commitment to kickstart projects at 100 schools this year alone, as Labour seeks to fix the foundations of our school estate.

Rejuvenating schools by delivering new, high-quality buildings that are not just energy efficient but fit for all pupils needs.

This will provide high-tech facilities that will raise the standards of education through new sports halls, IT rooms, school kitchens and playgrounds that children and staff can enjoy for years to come.

Projects will be delivered during the 2025 to 2026 financial year, with the first upgrades expected to begin this summer.

Louise Haigh MP said:

“For far too long, schools like Willow Park have been forced to make do in buildings that simply aren’t up to standard. I have seen first-hand in our constituency and nationally the impact 14 years of Tory Government has had on our education system and how this is being brought to breaking point.

“I’m delighted that this much-needed investment will now be delivered to improve heating and ventilation at Willow Park School, giving local children the warm, safe, and modern classrooms they deserve.

“This funding is a crucial step in reversing the years of underinvestment that have left too many schools across our city struggling. Every child deserves to learn in a school that is fit for purpose, and I will continue fighting to make sure Sheffield gets its fair share of investment in our public services.”