MORE than £1.3 million has been secured to refurbish Barton Primary School.

The Education and Skills Funding Agency has awarded the cash to the Isle of Wight Council as part of the Priority School Building Programme.

Improvements at the Newport school will include a new roof and windows, a new reception area, external cladding and upgraded footpaths and lighting.

It will be the second phase of works since Barton moved to the nearby Furrlongs site 18 months ago.

Headteacher Mark Snow said: "It is terrific the local authority has been able to secure the money to complete the much-needed upgrades to fully complete the regeneration of our ever expanding school.

"This is great news for the pupils and families involved but also the wider community, which deserves a school building that meets the needs of modern education.

"This is a fantastic investment for the future of the children of Pan and the surrounding area — a beacon of what can be achieved with diligence and hard work."

The school will remain open while the work is carried out.

Council cabinet member for children's services, Cllr Paul Brading said: "I am really pleased we have been successful in our bid to secure these sizeable funds.

"This will greatly improve the overall security and safety of the site.

"My thanks to Mark Snow and all the staff at Barton for doing such a great job, and I know these improvements will contribute to continued progress of the school."

Ward Cllr for Newport East, Geoff Brodie, said: "The community always hoped there would be more money to bring the school buildings up to a higher standard.

“This announcement will be particularly welcomed by parents."

Meanwhile, Barton children visited County Hall yesterday (Wednesday) to quiz councillors on local issues.

They met the council leader, Cllr Dave Stewart, Cllr Brading and Cllr Brodie to discuss issues including litter, term-time holidays and transport.