CASH from a mystery donor will transform a dale school hall.
Nobody knows who has sent thousands of pounds to Teesdale School over the years, but since it was taken over by a multi-academy trust two years ago, the cash has been ring-fenced to be spent on improving conditions for the pupils.
Last year money was used to create a Laurea Achievement Centre – a bright and welcoming space where students can get one-to-one support they need to reach their goals. This year the annual donation was doubled, although the school would not say how much was involved.
Executive headteacher Dr Janice Gorlach said: “We have received it since we have been a trust. We don’t know anything about it before, but we believe it has been made over many years.”
She added that along with £1,800 saved from the Friends of Teesdale School fund, the cash would be used to spruce up the school hall. Artworks are planned to match other areas of the school that have already had makeovers.
Areas most frequented by pupils are prioritised for cleaning up.
Dr Gorlach said: “As soon as we knew the cash was there we ring-fenced it for the children. The better the environment, the better it speaks to the children about how important their education is and how important they are.”
The stage is another priority for the school.
Dr Gorlach added: “All we have is a black box. We will bid to access funds to see if there is anything we can do with the stage. It is a really good stage – it’s just got nothing on it.”
If successful, the school hopes primaries and the general community will make use of the facility. A raft of works is also planned for the academy trust, thanks to money received through the government. The trust will channel the cash to schools that are most in need of attention – of which Teesdale School is one.
Dr Gorlach said much of it would be used to improve the school’s sports facilities over the summer.
She added: “The tennis court surface is in such a bad state that we have to restrict how it is used. The sport is good, the teaching is good – it is just that the facilities are poor.”
The school has since put a message on its website which reads: “To our mystery donor, whoever you are, the staff and students at Teesdale School would like to say a very big thank you.”
