A TEESSIDE school is to be given millions of pounds for a major refurbishment.

The Government had already decided that Grangefield School, on Oxbridge Avenue, Stockton needed an upgrade, but money was to come from the Private Finance Initiative, which would have involved repayments to private investors for years to come.

That decision has now been reversed and millions of pounds will be paid directly to improve the school's buildings.

The school will get a share of £300m which is to be divided between 27 education centres across the country. Redevelopment plans are now being drawn up for submission to the Department for Education.

The news has been welcomed by the school’s headteacher Shelagh Potter.

She said: “This is terrific news for the school and the local community. While we recognise the affection that local people have for the current building, we’re looking forward to the potential opportunities of a new learning environment for our young people.”

A previous plan to merge Grangefield with nearby Ian Ramsey School was opposed by residents and eventually rejected.

Plans to rebuild Ian Ramsey Church of England School are further developed and the Government has already been decided to pay for that directly.

It’s expected the plans for Ian Ramsey will be discussed at Stockton Borough Council’s planning committee on Thursday, May 29.

James Wharton, Conservative MP for Stockton South, accompanied education minister Michael Gove to Ian Ramsey School last year and pushed the case for both colleges to be redeveloped.

Mr Wharton said: “It just shows that even in these difficult times, when there isn’t much money about, if we make the case we can attract significant investment.

"I have no doubt that this will be of real benefit to pupils, parents and the wider Grangefield School community. I am so pleased we have been able to deliver this scheme, coming alongside Ian Ramsey and plans for a new secondary school in Ingleby Barwick, it means Stockton South is benefitting from one of the most significant investments in education in the country.”