Work to replace faulty Haygrove School could start in 2026
A school forced to close its main building due to its faulty construction could move to a new site by 2028.Haygrove School in Bridgwater was partially shut in August 2023 due to safety concerns. Since then, lessons have taken place in temporary classrooms.The Department for Education (DfE) has confirmed a feasibility study to build a new school at Queenswood Farm is "on track" to be completed by the end of this year.Bridgwater MP Ashley Fox said construction is expected to begin in autumn 2026, subject to planning permission, with the aim of "welcoming students to the new school in September 2028".
He added: "Despite the challenging circumstances, Haygrove School has continued to deliver strong outcomes for its students."That's a credit to the staff, leadership, and wider school community."A spokesperson for the DfE said high-quality and sustainable buildings are a key part of raising school standards. "We have increased investment to £2.1bn this financial year to improve the condition of school buildings, on top of the continuing School Rebuilding Programme," they added.
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Northern Ireland made a one-off £100 payment to pensioners who lost their winter fuel payments. How much will this cost? The cost of reinstating Winter Fuel Payments for those now eligible is estimated at £1.25billion in England and Wales. Compared to when the payments were a universal benefit for pensioners, the savings will now only be around £450million annually.
