A school has welcomed the news of a six-figure investment boost to improve learning facilities. 

Hurworth Primary and Secondary School will both receive a share of £10,603.69 funding from housing provider Miller Homes through an agreement linked to a nearby development. 

Councillors on Darlington’s cabinet agreed to release the funds for the schools, which will pave the way for improvements for pupils and staff. 

Head teacher at Hurworth School, Rachel Somerville, said the money will be spent on several areas of the school buildings. 

She said: "The school has invested significantly in its premises both externally and in its infrastructure over the last 20 years. And of course, like most schools up and down the country, you always have your eye on what you can do next to improve the building, the facilities and the learning environment for students, staff and parents .”

“The capital funding released as part of the S106 agreement will allow us to accelerate our programme of refurbishing classrooms, replace and upgrade equipment, improve site security, improve communal spaces, and generally improve the teaching and learning environments for all.”

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More than £1 million has also been invested in a new roof at Whinfield Primary School, after several years of leaking issues. A council report says the school has been extended several times resulting in different roofs and gulleys between buildings. 

A survey in 2020 found a replacement would be required within three years, with the current roof considered beyond economical repair.

The funding pledge was part of Darlington Council’s 2023 budget and is one of the authority’s key capital projects over the next year.