Three Stafford schools set to benefit from Government-funded upgrades

Three Stafford schools are set to benefit from Government-backed improvements, including heating upgrades, security work and solar panels.

Doxey Academy, Sir Graham Balfour School and Stafford Manor High School have all been named in recent funding announcements. The projects cover different parts of school life, from reducing energy costs to improving buildings and site safety.

Doxey Academy has been awarded more than £900,000 through the Condition Improvement Fund. The money will be used to install a modern hybrid heating system, combining air source heat pumps with high-efficiency condensing boilers.

The system will also make use of the school’s existing solar array. The current heating system at Doxey Academy has been failing for some time, with repeated emergency repairs placing pressure on the school.

Sir Graham Balfour School will receive £1.5 million through the same fund for new fencing and gates. The funding will be used to upgrade site security and help bring the school in line with Martyn’s Law, which introduces new security requirements for some public venues and spaces.

Matthew Mason, Headteacher of Sir Graham Balfour School, said the funding would be used to upgrade site security across the school. He said the school was grateful that the Department for Education had provided funding to ensure the site is compliant with the new legislation.

Stafford Manor High School has also had solar panels installed as part of Great British Energy’s first major national scheme. The school is estimated to save around £475,000 over the lifetime of the panels, based on a 30-year lifespan.

Rhys Adams, Headteacher at Stafford Manor High School, said he was proud the school had been selected as one of the first 250 schools nationally. He said more stable energy costs would allow the school to focus on providing teaching and support for pupils.

Stafford MP Leigh Ingham said the investment at Stafford Manor High would mean lower energy bills and more of the school budget going into teaching, pupil support and places to learn.

The funding comes at a time when schools across Stafford and the wider country continue to face pressure from maintenance costs, energy bills and the need to keep buildings safe and suitable for pupils.