Stockport primary school facing huge £2.7m repair bill set to get full rebuild

A Stockport primary school is celebrating after being selected for a full rebuild under a £1bn government progamme.

Thorn Grove Primary School, in Cheadle Hulme, was said to be facing a £2.7m maintenance bill three years ago – prompting council bosses to make a bid to the Department for Education (DfE) for a new school building.

It has now been announced as one of 61 schools to be rebuilt or refurbished under the DfE’s plans, which include funding of more than £1 billion. 

The Woodstock Avenue school will now be totally rebuilt, allowing children to access modern classrooms and state-of-the-art facilities.

The scheme will include a focus on sports facilities, in order to encourage more children to join in and enjoy physical education.

Work will begin on the project immediately, with the school, the DfE and the council involved in the initial planning stage.

All the new buildings will be net-zero carbon in operation, helping Stockport to achieve its aim of being a greener borough for future generations.

Headteacher Sue Denford, has spoken of her delight over the news.

She said: “What an exciting time this is for Thorn Grove school! We’d like to reassure parents that the school will be involved in every stage of the planning. 

“We’ve got ambitious plans to improve the school for young people in Cheadle Hulme and beyond, and to be shown the faith in the form of an investment such as this is such a fantastic feeling.”

Her sentiments were echoed by deputy council leader Wendy Meikle.

Coun Meikle, also cabinet member for children, education and families, said: “I’m so pleased that our bid for the rebuild of Thorn Grove school has been successful: this significant investment in the Stockport borough is much needed.

“I’d like to thank the team who worked so hard on the bid. The new school will mean a real upgrade to the facilities enjoyed by our children and their families for generations to come.”