Dilapidated schools get major facelift

Thirteen schools in Birmingham are set to undergo major rebuilding work.

The Government has approved funding of £55m to allow facilities to be updated at some of the city's most dilapidated school buildings.

The schools chosen have been identified as those in most desperate need of modernisation.

Many suffer from temporary wooden classrooms, lack of proper toilet facilities, sinks and carpets.

Education chiefs say without safe, warm and secure accommodation, teachers face severe problems in delivering the national curriculum, while morale and pupils' grades suffer as a result.

The schools to be completely rebuilt are Kingsland, Blakesley Hall and Hobmoor primaries, Wheelers Lane Technology College, Wheelers Lane Infant and Junior School and Allens Croft Nursery and Primary.

Major upgrades will take place at a further five schools.