Investing in Our Schools

Figures from the last financial year show that the Council invested around £26 million towards the improvement and maintenance of Bedford Borough schools in 2012/13.

The projects ranged from the major, including the brand new Great Denham Primary School and the 10-class extension at Livingstone Lower School, to the less major but essential works such as boiler replacements, windows and much more amongst works which took place across 31 schools over the year.

Another major project which has been taking place recently is the brand new Shortstown Primary School, which will provide excellent facilities for the children of the Shortstown for many years to come. As you can see from the photo here, it was great fun last year to join children from Shortstown Lower School as they turned the first sod at what will ultimately be their new school.

Of course, as well as investing in our schools to ensure children and young people have the facilities they deserve, the Council is also working with schools to drive up standards and give local children and young people the very best opportunity to fulfil their potential. While there is a lot more to be done, it is pleasing that Ofsted have recognised the strides that have been made locally, with Bedford Borough named as the best local authority area across the East of England for a child to attend a primary-level school. There is also a remarkable record of Ofsted inspections across the age groups for Bedford Borough schools this academic year, with nine out of ten inspected graded good or outstanding. This is of course at a time when the Ofsted regime has only become more stringent, and it is a testament to the hard work of the children and all the staff at those schools.

This commitment to raising standards by the schools, in partnership with the Council, is a different kind of investment, but whether it's bricks and mortar or school improvement, there is of course no more important investment we can make than in the future of the Borough's children and young people.