FOUR schools in Redditch have been handed a huge cash boost of almost £1 million to transform their buildings, facilities, and improve safety.

The schools successfully bid for cash through the Government’s latest round of Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) money, which was announced earlier this month.

In total, around £882,000 has been dished out to fund projects at Woodfield Academy, Ridgeway Academy, Crabbs Cross Academy, and Inkberrow First School.

Ridgeway Academy, on Evesham Road, received £300,000 which will enable the school to develop a new purpose-built music block.

Headteacher Mike Bennett said: “We are excited and pleased.

“Currently the pupils have had to perform and study in an old building that leaks and has seen better days.

“The purpose-built music room, practice rooms along with additional toilets will be a great addition to the school as we expand to secondary.”

Woodfield Academy, on Studley Road, received just over £370,000 and will use the money to carry out vital roof replacements across the school.

Headteacher Steve Bond said: "We are absolutely thrilled to have made a successful CIF bid, which will enable us to replace a number of tired roofs across the academy site.

“This will improve our classroom units immensely and will really benefit our pupils and staff.”

Crabbs Cross Academy, on Evesham Road, will also be able to make “much-needed” roof repairs after receiving around £160,000.

Headteacher Sarah Shakles said: “We are delighted.

“The current roofs of the main school building are flat roofs which leak in several areas, leaving evidence of water across ceilings and around the lights and high-level windows.

“This money will allow all defective roofs to be replaced with an insulated overlay system, and lights and timber fascia being replaced.”

Just under £52,000 awarded to Inkberrow First School will pay for minor emergency asbestos removal.

Headteacher Heather Thompson said: “For a small school funding at any level is vital.

“If we would have had to find funding for it ourselves then that would have taken funding away from something else.”

Redditch MP Rachel Maclean welcomed the news.

She said: “I’m delighted four schools in the constituency have received this funding boost.

“I’m sure teachers and parents here in Redditch will welcome this extra cash as this Conservative Government continues to invest in their children’s futures.”