Bishop's Stortford MP Julie Marson hails Government cash for school improvements at Simon Balle in Hertford and Presdales in Ware

Bishop's Stortford's MP Julie Marson has secured Government funding for improvements to secondary schools in Hertford and Ware.

Her Hertford and Stortford constituency has been allocated a share of £434m to expand classrooms, upgrade facilities and "improve education" across the country.

Mrs Marson said that specifically Presdales School and Sixth Form in Ware would receive funding for a flat roofing replacement while Hertford's Simon Balle School is to get money to replace dilapidated Crittall steel window walling, cladding and doors.

The Indie has asked her office how much money schools in the Hertford and Stortford constituency will get in total and to highlight a Bishop's Stortford or Sawbridgeworth school which will benefit, but is still waiting for the answers.

Mrs Marson, who held the local seat for the Conservatives at last December's General Election, said: "I am very pleased to secure this additional funding for the children of Hertford and Stortford.

"As we exit lockdown, we must focus on getting children back to school and ensure that schools have the facilities and classrooms they need to support the high-quality education our children deserve.

"This funding will help ensure all children have the very best possible schools and education, enabling them to gain all the knowledge and skills they need for success.

"On top of this, the Prime Minister has also announced a new transformative 10-year school rebuilding programme. This will be kick-started with over £1 billion for the first 50 projects in 2020-21.

"As we bounce back from the pandemic, it's important we lay the foundations for a country where everyone has the opportunity to succeed, with our younger generations front and centre of this mission.

"This major new investment will ensure our schools and colleges can focus on teaching, with brand new buildings and better facilities so that every child gets world-class education all our children deserve.

"Schools across the country have played their part in responding to coronavirus, ensuring their doors remained open for the children of essential workers who have kept the NHS, public services and economy going throughout this crisis.

"The £1 billion package is on top of the £14 billion three-year funding settlement announced last year, recognising the additional work schools will need to do to help students to catch up."

Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said: "Replacing and upgrading poor condition school and college buildings with modern, energy-efficient designs will give our students and teachers the environment they deserve and support them to maximise their potential.

"As we look forward to this September and all children returning to school, we can be assured that for years to come this country's education system will drive opportunity and prosperity for all."