Vara Describes 'Positive' Meeting With Minister

Shailesh Vara has described his meeting with the Education Minister, Lord Hill of Oareford, as "positive". Earlier today, Mr Vara led a delegation to the Department for Education from the two Peterborough secondary schools that had their Building Schools for the Future funding withdrawn in July.

Representatives from Stanground College and Orton Longueville School made the case for investment to the Minister alongside Mr Vara and Cllr John Holdich, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills on Peterborough City Council. Cllr Holdich also made the broader case for investment in ICT and special schools for the area.

Commenting, Mr Vara said:

"This was a positive meeting and definitely a step in the right direction. The case made to the Minister from all involved was both clear and compelling.

"The specific details on the funding are not known but will become clearer following the publication in December of a departmental review. However, following the meeting, I am hopeful that we will secure some funding, although it is unlikely to be in the amounts originally envisaged."