£20M FOR CITY SUPER SCHOOL

20 August 2005

One of Swansea's largest comprehensive schools is in line for a massive £20 million makeover, it emerged today. The upgrade plan is a keystone to a big education shake-up underway in the city.

It had always been intended it would get a new look as part of a controversial proposal to shut down Dylan Thomas Compre- hensive in Cockett and switch its pupils to Bishop Gore instead. But the Post can reveal today that is now being massively boosted.

£20 million will now go on giving it a new look bringing with it the best educational facilities on offer anywhere in Swansea. The aim is to create a site which can also house pupils from Dylan Thomas School and give them top class education.

Work would include updating existing buildings and constructing new facilities at the De La Beche Road site.Pupils will be taught in both sites while the work is carried out although details of how this will work are still being drawn up.

It is not known if, or for how long they would have to switch between the two.Dates for when work at Bishop Gore will begin are also sketchy, with the proposals having to be given the thumbs up from the Cabinet before contractors can move in.

A new round of consultations with parents and teachers would also have to begin.Any objections raised by the public would mean the scheme going to the Assembly for final approval - delaying the start date further.

The move is being seen as a sweetener to parents furious over the Dylan Thomas closure proposal. They have campaigned against the plans.

But Mike Day, cabinet member for education, said today that he believed the plans were the best way forward for the city.

"If accepted, this would be a school that pupils, parents and teachers can be proud of," he added.

"It will set the standard for other schools in Swansea and will show what can be achieved if we address issues such as falling rolls and the condition of our schools.

"This proposal will send a loud and clear message that the council is serious about improving schools and education.

"This is a major investment that will help to transform education for children in Swansea."