• Mount Tamar School. Pictured L to R – Chair of Governors – Frank Lowry, Head teacher – Brett Storry, Head of Residential – Jackey Cook, Cllr Sue McDonald – Cabinet Member for Children Young People and Public Health and Head of Access and Planning - Jayne Gorton.

Major investment approved for city schools

A huge programme of school improvement works at three city schools will get under way this year.

The building works totalling £1,184,500 have been approved by Council Leader Tudor Evans from the City Council’s Investment Board, to meet the cost of urgent building improvement works at Mount Tamar, Mount Wise Primary and Compton Primary Schools.

All three schools need urgent action to stop further damage and deterioration to the buildings which would ultimately cost even more to sort out in the future.

Councillor Evans said: “Having excellent education opportunities for Plymouth’s children and young people is a vitally important part of our city’s structure and we are very proud of our schools. It is absolutely crucial that we invest in them if we are to maintain our high standards and encourage families to raise their children in Plymouth.”

A total of £1,010,500 will be spent at Mount Tamar to bring the boarding hostel section of the school up to date. This will include a brand new plumbing system - including extra toilets and showers, a new games room and a kitchen where pupils can develop their independent living skills.

Head Teacher Brett Storry said: “I was pleased to announce to our Student Parliament that their wish for upgraded facilities had been approved by Plymouth City Council. Staff and governors of Mount Tamar School are passionate in providing the best for our students in all aspects of their learning and this project will enable us to offer our vulnerable pupils the support they require."

The remaining £174,000 will be split between Compton and Mount Wise Primary Schools. Both schools need new roofs due to their age and damage over time by water.

Councillor Sue McDonald, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Public Health said: “We are determined as a Council to ensure that the quality of schools throughout the city is such that no matter where a child lives, they will have access to an excellent school just around the corner. Our aim is to help develop a highly skilled and capable workforce of productive young adults who contribute to the region’s economic growth and prosperity and who enjoy and achieve in life.”
The works will be finished by September.