Millions worth of funding for Tees Valley education

Two Tees Valley Academies have received significant capital allocations from the Department for Education.

Thornaby Academy in Stockton-on-Tees is to receive £5.5 million while Freebrough Academy in East Cleveland is to receive almost £3 million.

The funding was determined by the Academies’ plans for pupil places and the condition of the buildings.

Lynn Parker, Director of Education Partnerships, said: 'As lead sponsor Teesside University is delighted to have been able to support the academies in securing this funding.

'All sponsors and governing bodies at both Academies are extremely pleased and we are particularly grateful for the continued support of colleagues from Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council and Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council.'

Linda Halbert, Principal of Freebrough Academy, said: 'We are delighted with the news and the opportunities it brings to Freebrough and East Cleveland. The funding will give Freebrough a fantastic opportunity to develop an Enterprise Centre on the site of the academy that will enable us to deliver post-16 education to up to 100 learners.

Academy specialism of business and enterprise 'The centre will enable students from Freebrough to access an exciting new curriculum that supports them to develop skills and qualifications in some of the new technology areas as well as in the academy specialism of business and enterprise.'

Councillor Ian Jeffrey, Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council's Cabinet Member for Children's Services and Education, said: 'This is fantastic news which allows for the creation of a top-class learning environment providing opportunities for young people throughout East Cleveland.'

Maryssa O’Connor, Principal of Thornaby Academy said: 'Thornaby Academy is delighted with the decision. The capital funding will ensure that buildings and the learning environment are significantly improved so that students of the academy and the wider community of Thornaby will have access to state-of-the-art facilities.'

Councillor Ann McCoy, Stockton Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: 'The pupils at Thornaby Academy are already benefitting from teaching and learning opportunities which will help them achieve their very best. While it is disappointing that this funding will not allow us to create a new building as originally planned, it will help further support the first class educational experience on offer by improving the existing learning environment.'

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