The government has announced that North Tyneside's schools will benefit from more than £3 million of capital funding in 2004-05. The announcement is part of a £4.5 million investment in schools buildings for 2004-05, rising to £5.1 million in 2005-06.

The money is part of the Chancellor's spending review settlement to school capital and will rebuild and modernise schools in the secondary and primary sector.

The DfES also announced nearly half a million pounds of capital funding to North Tyneside LEA for its creation of a Learning Support Centre project which includes St Thomas More High School.

Tynemouth MP Alan Campbell said:

"The government continues to invest in local schools as a priority and this announcement of money for capital projects will be most welcome. This is part of putting schools first and ensuring that every child gets the best possible start in life."