TWO schools in Brent have been told they will receive funding to be rebuilt.
The two Crest Academies, which were formerly the John Kelly Schools, have been in desperate need of work for many years.
Plans for the project were thrown into jeopardy when the Government announced it would be stopping funding under the Building Schools for the Future programme - which included the rebuilding and expansion of Copland Community School, Cardinal Hinsley Computing and Mathematics College, Queens Park Community School and Alperton Community School.
At the time, Brent Council was also told the money for the Crest Academies would also be at risk. But on August 6 both the Crest Boys' Academy and Crest Girls' Academy, in Crest Road, Neasden, were told they will be given the funding.
Councillor Ann John OBE, Labour leader of the council, welcomed the news but warned that the withdrawal of funding from the other schools will still cause huge problems.
Ms John said: “I am delighted for the Crest Academies but it really would have been madness to withdraw funding when the plans are so far advanced. However, the withdrawal of funding to other schools in Brent still leaves us facing a crisis in school places and it will inevitably lead to overcrowding and poor conditions, which will affect the life chances of our young people for generations to come.”
Controversy has surrounded the rebuild of the Crest Academies before when it was announced it will be rebuilt on the same site last year despite opposition. Teachers and pupils at the then John Kelly Schools pleaded with the council to purchase extra land so their two schools could be expanded. The schools changed to the Crest Academies in September 2009.
Sarah Teather, Liberal Democrat MP for Brent Central, said: “Teachers and students at Crest Academies have been working out of unsuitable and derelict temporary classrooms for decades. Entire generations of Brent children have had to put up with inadequate school buildings and, quite simply, they deserve better.
“I am very pleased that after years of campaigning, and despite the dire state of the public finances, Crest Academies will now get the money they need to rebuild. This is the right decision, and will make a real difference to lives in Brent.
“Of course other schools in our borough will be disappointed that they do not yet know if they will also be receiving refurbishment money. Copland, Cardinal Hinsley, Alperton and Queens Park schools should all have the opportunity to make their case under the new building fund.”
