PUPILS in Dursley are celebrating after their school was awarded £285,000 of funding to upgrade its sports hall.

Rednock School was one of nine schools in Gloucestershire to receive extra money, as part of a £2.7 million boost for schools from Gloucestershire County Council.

Headteacher David Alexander said: “We are very fortunate to receive the money, although it is subject to ratification.

“We have prioritised the sports hall, as it is the worst piece of building stock on site and is also a community use facility.

“The building is in quite a decrepit state – especially some of the masonry.

“It is in real need of repair and this money will certainly help us with that.”

Rednock School took over the running of the community use of the sports hall after Stroud District Council pulled out in August 2018.

As well as serving the school during the day, it is open to the public in the evenings and on weekends, and offers a wide range of activities including: fitness classes, racket sports, football and gymnastics.

“We see this as a vital role in supporting the community and ensuring that everyone gets the full benefit of our public services,” said Mr Alexander.

Most of GCC’s schools boost money, £1.5 million, will come from Section 106 contributions, which are paid to local authorities by developers when planning permission is agreed.

Senior councillors at Gloucestershire County Council unanimously backed the cash injection at a meeting on April 24.

The proposal comes in part from the council’s pledge to dedicate £100 million to helping schools across Gloucestershire.

Gloucestershire county councillor Lynden Stowe (C, Campden-Vale), cabinet member for economy, skills and growth, said: “Young people deserve to have access to good and outstanding school places close to their home, which have the best possible facilities.

“To make sure that becomes a reality, we promised to invest £100million in our county’s schools.

“This extra funding is just another step towards that promise.

“We are fully committed to making sure that young people in Gloucestershire have a positive learning experience and improving their learning environment is one way we can do that.”