Laura Trott, MP for Sevenoaks and Swanley, has presented a petition in the House of Commons calling for Orchards Academy to be rebuilt as part of the Government’s ‘School Rebuilding Programme’.
The petition was opened earlier this year and gained a total of 1,333 signatures from residents across Swanley and Hextable.
Laura Trott MP has been working closely with Orchards Academy since her election to secure Government support for the rebuild, alongside Kent County Councillor Perry Cole, Swanley Town Council Leader (and local St Mary’s ward member) Michael Horwood and local district council member for St Mary’s Lesley Dyball.
Over the last year she has asked both the Prime Minister and the Education Secretary about the funding in the chamber, and held separate follow up meetings with both Education Minister Baroness Berridge and Education Secretary Gavin Williamson, to help raise the case of Orchards Academy.
Speaking following her appearance in the House of Commons, Laura Trott MP said:
“I am delighted to have now presented the petition in Parliament. 1,333 local residents across Swanley and Hextable showed their support, which is a fantastic result and I hope the Department of Education take note of this when allocating the funding available. I know from my recent visits just how urgently repair is needed. Helping our schools and our teachers is an absolute priority for me, and I will continue to lead the campaign locally to ensure this funding for Orchards Academy is secured.”
Natalie Willbourn, Executive Headteacher at Orchards Academy welcomed Laura Trott’s support earlier this year. She said:
“We are very grateful for Laura Trott's commitment and support to this project. The school and local community welcome any interest and look forward to what we hope will be a successful outcome for Orchards Academy and Swanley.”
The School Rebuilding Programme, announced in June 2020, is part of an ambitious ten-year programme that will transform 500 school buildings across England, so every child has access to the best learning environment. Backed by £1 billion in government funding, the programme will rebuild and repair primary, secondary, specialist as well as sixth form colleges around England, with the majority of these projects are expected to be completed within three to five years.
To watch Laura’s presentation in the House of Commons, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/113558513519949/videos/1215356892253225
