Portsmouth City Council has agreed plans to provide much needed investment to support capital improvements at a popular primary school in the heart of the city.
£1.9m will be allocated to Arundel Court Primary School on Northam Street, Landport to increase pupil places and improve the school’s buildings.
Cllr Stephen Morgan, Portsmouth’s Labour Leader and ward councillor for the area the school serves is a former chair of governors at Arundel Court.
In support of the council’s decision he said:
“A few years ago I had the privilege to be the chair of governors at the former junior school on this site. I therefore understand both the ambitions and challenges the school has faced in securing funding for capital works.
Improving the school’s buildings will only enhance the learning environment for all pupils.
Arundel Court is a fantastic school with dedicated staff and hard working pupils in a very special part of Portsmouth. The school community deserves this investment”.
Miss Karen Stocks with Cllr Morgan on a visit to the school last year
Miss Karen Stocks, headteacher of the school thanked Cllr Morgan for his support and lobbying of the council.
She added:
“As the head of the school I only want what is best for the children, staff, parents and governors.
All we ask is for an amazing school building, fit for purpose and one which has the wow factor and a visual presence in the community.”
The decision comes at a time when Portsmouth Labour has been campaigning for more to be done to tackle child poverty in the city.
In Charles Dickens ward alone, 44% of 0-19 year olds live in poverty.
Educational attainment is seen as a key way to help children improve their life chances later in life.
