FOUR Bridgwater schools are celebrating after winning a share of a £46million building improvements scheme.

The government cash can be used for general upgrading or expansion and will be allocated over the next 12 months.

The four Bridgwater schools in line for a payout are Bridgwater College Academy, Brymore Academy, Enmore Primary and St John and St Francis Church School.

Brymore plan to upgrade the workshop block and office space, while Enmore Church of England Primary School will carry out improvements to its kitchen.

Bridgwater College Academy is looking to replace an ageing boiler and windows while St John and St Francis will improve fascias and cladding.

Duncan MacRae, head teacher at Enmore CofE Primary School, said the school would receive £90,000, adding: “We plan to extend our hall and include kitchen facilities which means the children will be able to enjoy hot meals. The refurbishment will also allow the hall to be used by the PTA and, hopefully, the wider community.”

Schools Minister David Laws said improving the standard of school buildings so pupils learn in safe, high quality classrooms and teachers have access to the best facilities was a vital part of the Government’s long-term plan for education.

He added: “To create a stronger economy and a fairer society it is crucial we invest in education, so that every child has a fair start in life.

“Since 2010, the Government has invested more than £18 billion in school buildings, and we recently announced a further £6 billion to help drive-up school building standards across the country in the coming years.

“Thanks to Condition Improvement Fund thousands more pupils and their teachers across England will benefit from safe, high-quality classrooms.”