Education: Concern from Halifax MP after cash pledged for 11 Calderdale schools - but none of them are in Halifax

As reported earlier today (Friday) 11 Calderdale schools will receive a share of a Government funding pot to make their buildings better.

But all of the 11 are in Calder Valley MP and Conservative Party member Craig Whittaker’s constituency. None are in Halifax.

Holly Lynch, MP for Halifax and Labour Party member, said: "It is always pleasing for Calderdale to receive money for school improvements, however people will draw their own conclusions as to why all of the 11 schools announced today fall within the Calder Valley constituency, whilst none of the deserving schools in my own Halifax constituency have been included on the list.

"Schools such as Ash Green Primary, which was recently devastated by a fire, and Ravenscliffe, which educates pupils with special needs, are in dire need of investment and appear to have been excluded."

In Calderdale, schools getting money are:

Central Street Infant and Nursery School in Hebden Bridge

Cross Lane Primary and Nursery School in Elland

Riverside Junior School in Hebden Bridge

Shade Primary School in Todmorden

Stubbings Infant School in Hebden Bridge

The Brooksbank School in Elland

The Calder Learning Trust in Mytholmroyd

Todmorden C of E Juniors, Infants and Nursery School

Todmorden High School

Walsden St Peter's C of E Primary School

Woodhouse Primary School in Brighouse

Calder Valley MP Craig Whittaker defended the decision, saying Halifax has had investment in its schools at other times, such as the creation of Trinity Academy Halifax.

"The Calder Valley has been missed out for many years,” he said.

“This is great news.”

He added: “The quality of facilities in schools can have a significant impact on a student’s learning and I have been working closely with the Conservative Government to secure investment in our schools to offer children the best opportunity to succeed.

“This investment will improve the experience of students across the country – helping them to learn, develop, and achieve their full potential.”

Across the country, 239 schools and sixth forms will benefit from renovation projects.