TWO Keighley-district primary schools are sharing in a cash windfall to upgrade facilities.

St Joseph's at Ingrow and Haworth Primary have been awarded funds as part of a £560 million Government programme to improve school buildings across the country.

The two schools are among three in the Keighley and Ilkley parliamentary constituency to share a £1.1 million pot. The third is Ilkley Grammar.

Keighley MP Robbie Moore said the funding brought the total allocated by the Government this year to improve the condition of school buildings to £2 billion ­– paving the way for a new 'transformative' ten-year programme, with over £1 billion for the first wave of 50 schools.

He welcomed the latest allocations, which he said would enable schools to focus on teaching.

Mr Moore added: "Coronavirus has taken a toll on us all – not least our children – who have been kept from their friends, their teachers and their schools.

"As we exit lockdown we must focus on getting children back to school – and ensure that schools have the facilities and classrooms they need to support the high-quality education our pupils deserve.

"This funding will help ensure all children have modern environments which will promote the very best possible schools and education, enabling them to gain all the knowledge and skills they need for success.

"Investing in schools and education was a key promise made by the Conservatives during last year’s general election."

St Joseph's headteacher, John Devlin, said the school was delighted with the funding.

"We will be using it to replace our boiler – which probably would not have been able to survive another winter," he said.

"It is a relief, as it means we will not have to divert funds away from teaching to repair the heating."

The Keighley News was unable to contact anyone at Haworth Primary School for comment.

A number of schools across the district have remained open during lockdown, to cater for the children of key workers and vulnerable youngsters.

It is planned to fully reopen all schools in England next month.

Concerns have been voiced, but Education Secretary Gavin Williamson claims there is little evidence of coronavirus being transmitted in schools and that the plan to fully reopen next month was guided by the best science.

Speaking about the funding, he said: "Investing in our school and college buildings helps create modern environments that lend themselves to great teaching, making sure every child and young person has the opportunity to fulfil their potential."