Petition calling for rebuild of Orchards Academy, Swanley, presented to House of Commons
15:57, 02 July 2021
updated: 16:12, 02 July 2021
A petition calling for a school to get some much-needed building work has been presented to the House of Commons.
Laura Trott, MP for Sevenoaks and Swanley, is among those calling for Orchards Academy in Swanley to be rebuilt as part of the government’s School Rebuilding Programme.
The main building for the mixed school in St Mary's Road has fallen into a state of disrepair and now needs improving.
Formerly known as Swanley Technology College, the school counts Chelsea and England footballer Ruben Loftus-Cheek among its list of famous sporting alumni.
The petition was opened earlier this year and was signed by 1,333 people across Swanley and Hextable.
Ms Trott has been working closely with Orchards Academy to secure government support for the rebuild, alongside Kent County Councillor Perry Cole, Swanley Town Council Leader and local St Mary’s ward member Michael Horwood and local district council member for St Mary’s Lesley Dyball.
Over the past year, she has asked both the Prime Minister and the Education Secretary about the funding in the chamber, and held separate follow-up meetings with both Education Minister Baroness Berridge and Education Secretary Gavin Williamson, to help raise the case.
Ms Trott said: “I am delighted to have now presented the petition in Parliament. A total of 1,333 local residents across Swanley and Hextable showed their support, which is a fantastic result and I hope the Department of Education take note of this when allocating the funding available.
"I know from my recent visits just how urgently repair is needed.
"Helping our schools and our teachers is an absolute priority for me, and I will continue to lead the campaign locally to ensure this funding for Orchards Academy is secured.”
Natalie Willbourn, executive head teacher at Orchards Academy, welcomed the support earlier this year.
She said: “We are very grateful for Laura Trott's commitment and support to this project. The school and local community welcome any interest and look forward to what we hope will be a successful outcome for Orchards Academy and Swanley.”
The School Rebuilding Programme, announced in June last year, is part of a 10-year programme which will transform 500 school buildings across England, so every child has access to the best learning environment.
Backed by £1 billion in government funding, the programme will rebuild and repair primary, secondary, specialist as well as sixth form colleges around England, with the majority of these projects expected to be completed within three to five years.
To watch Laura’s presentation in the House of Commons, click here.
