SCHOOLS in Sherborne and Yeovil are looking forward to refurbishments after being allocated money under a government scheme.

The latest round of funding announced as part of the School Rebuilding Programme includes Milford Junior School in Yeovil and Sherborne’s Gryphon School.

Gillian Keegan, Secretary of State for Education, said: “Education is a top priority for this Government. That is why, despite facing challenging economic circumstances, we are investing a record amount in our schools and colleges.

“(This) announcement will transform hundreds of schools across the country and ensure they are fit for the future.

Milford Junior School. Photo: Google

“The additional funding, alongside fantastic new facilities, will mean our brilliant teachers can get on with what they do best – and inspire the next generation.”

Chris Loder, MP for West Dorset and a former Gryphon School pupil, welcomed the news, which will see the premises substantially refurbished, with temporary classrooms being replaced.

The announcement comes after months of campaigning by the MP to get The Gryphon School prioritised for its dilapidated ‘temporary’ classrooms to be rebuilt.

“I am very pleased that today our hard work on this campaign has been rewarded with a successful funding bid which will finally deliver the investment that the school requires to replace the ‘temporary’ classrooms which I was schooled in 25 years ago,” he said.

Gryphon School. Chris Loder with Head Teacher Nicki Edwards

Nicki Edwards, head teacher, said: “This is wonderful news and comes at the end of a great year for the Gryphon with our best ever exam results and our excellent SIAMS inspection.

“Our students and staff work hard everyday and deserve to have the best facilities to work in – replacing our 25 year old ‘temporary’ classrooms will make such a difference.”

Jo Mears, chair of governors, added: “We would like to pay special tribute to our MP, Chris Loder, who is an ex-student of The Gryphon.

“Chris has been a tremendous advocate for our bid. His determination to support us has made a real difference – he has encouraged us to be persistent over that past three years and has kept our cause in the spotlight in parliament.

“His old school is very grateful to him!”