SCHOOLS from Basingstoke and Baughurst are among the institutions selected by government that could see major building works as part of a £1bn plan to make sure the schools are future-proof.

Cranbourne Secondary School in Basingstoke and The Hurst School in Baughurst are among the seven Hampshire schools that made the grade in national school rebuilding programme.

The schools have been provisionally listed alongside three primary schools and two special schools in Hampshire.

As part of the 10-year rebuilding programme by the Department for Education (DfE), these schools could undergo major building works to ensure that school buildings are fit for the future.

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Cranbourne school’s headteacher Jane Aplin said: “This is wonderful news for the staff, students and the whole community. These buildings have been so well used over the years – by generations of primary and secondary children, as well as many community groups.

“We are so excited to have the chance to use new building technologies. This funding will reduce our carbon footprint considerably – a truly practical way to inspire our children and show how we can build sustainably for a better future.”

Hampshire County Council deputy executive and lead member for children’s services, Cllr Roz Chadd said: “We are committed to raising standards across our educational estate and ensuring that children in Hampshire have access to high-quality learning environments that are well-equipped to meet their needs.

“We continue to make the case on the national stage, for ongoing investment and are delighted to see seven of our schools named in the DfE’s latest school rebuilding programme announcement. 

“We very much look forward to working with each of the schools and the DfE in the coming years to establish the next steps and explore the potential opportunities. Any future plans will of course be consulted on with parents, school staff and the wider communities in each area.”

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The schools rebuilding programme was first launched by the DfE in 2020 and carries out major rebuilding and refurbishment projects at schools and sixth-form colleges, with buildings prioritised according to their condition.  

The seven Hampshire schools that have been provisionally prioritised in the latest round are: 

- Orchard Lea Infant School, Fareham   

- Horndean Church of England Junior School, Horndean 

- Marchwood Church of England Infant School, Marchwood 

- The Hurst School Secondary School, Baughurst 

- Cranbourne Secondary School, Basingstoke 

- Lakeside School Special School, Chandlers Ford 

- Baycroft School Special School, Stubbington 

These will join Orchard Lea Junior School in Fareham, which was announced in a previous round of the programme. ​