A NETHERTON primary school is set to receive hundreds of thousands of pounds for much-needed repair work.

Netherton Church of England Primary School has been selected to receive £526,405 from the government's Conditional Improvement Fund to recover its flat roof and for structural repairs.

It comes as the school made several unsuccessful applications for the cash until Dudley South MP Mike Wood intervened and called on the government to help.

The school was the only primary in the Dudley borough to receive money from the pot, while Thorns Collegiate Academy was the only secondary school.

Andrew Rushton, headteacher of Netherton Church of England Primary, said: “I am absolutely delighted for our kids and our staff that they will finally have the school they deserve, and I really want to thank our MP, Mike Wood, for the support he has given us in winning this additional funding."

Mr Wood wrote to Education Secretary Gavin Williamson to raise concerns about the dangerous conditions at the Highbridge Road school, followed by the MP meeting with the School Funding Minister, Baroness Berridge, where he made further representations on behalf of the school.

Mike Wood MP said: “Along with Andrew and all the staff at Netherton C of E, I was really hopeful for the school’s bid and knew just how desperately they needed this funding.

“My colleagues in government have acknowledged our concerns – and, on behalf of all the children and staff at Netherton C of E, I am tremendously grateful. The children will now be able to continue receiving a quality education in a safe working environment, for many years to come."

The school is among one of 580 building projects selected to take place at academies, sixth form colleges and voluntary aided schools in England to transform facilities and improve school buildings.

The award was announced earlier this month by Education Secretary, Gavin Williamson and will see an additional £560 million worth of government investment aimed at expanding classrooms and upgrading facilities in a bid to boost educational opportunities.