A MASSIVE �270 million revamp of the borough s secondary schools is now under way as part of unprecedented government investment. The Department for Children, Families and Schools has given the green light to the council s Building Schools for the Future

A MASSIVE �270 million revamp of the borough's secondary schools is now under way as part of unprecedented government investment.

The Department for Children, Families and Schools has given the green light to the council's Building Schools for the Future (BFS) programme, which will transform its nine secondary schools as well as Trinity Special School, Heathway.

Between 2010 and 2017 the school buildings will be renovated and extended and new information and communication technologies will be installed.

BFS is the largest capital investment programme the country's schools have seen for more than 50 years and is set to improve the standard of teaching and learning.

A new school is to be built at Barking Riverside, while Barking Abbey, All Saints and Jo Richardson schools may be expanded.

All schools will have facilities that are open to the whole community, such

as sports halls, libraries, nurseries and computers.

Cllr Rocky Gill, cabinet member for education and children's well-being, said: "The Building Schools for the Future project will have a huge impact on our borough.

"The project will transform schools offering additional or dual-use facilities. It will reposition schools at the heart of the community."

Roger Luxton, the council's corporate director of children's services, said: "BSF promises to provide excellent education to give all children the best possible start in life by way of raising teaching standards and pupil achievements in our secondary schools.