Two Bay of Plenty schools build school roll thank to Government investment in additional classrooms

Additional classrooms in Bay of Plenty schools are the result of a $9 million Government investment. Photo / File

Two Bay of Plenty schools will boost their school rolls soon thanks to $9 million given by the Government to build more classrooms.

Minister of Education Chris Hipkins announced Friday $9 million would be given to build more classrooms at six schools around the country including Maungatapu School and Golden Sands School in Pāpāmoa.

"The Government is committed to building enough warm, dry and modern classrooms to meet demand across New Zealand so that students learn in comfortable spaces," Hipkins said.

"This Coalition Government has made it clear that supporting students with special learning needs is a priority, and delivering an additional satellite unit will provide more space for students that need it.

He said the funding would provide extra classrooms for more than 300 additional student spaces at six schools, including one special school.

The roll growth announcement is funded from Budget 2018 and is in addition to more than $220 million of Budget 2018 investments already announced.

"This includes more than $180 million spent on new schools, expansions, relocations and additional classrooms for roll growth," Hipkins said.

"A further $40m was allocated for new and refurbished classrooms and other facilities at two kura and a special character school."

The schools receiving new classrooms for roll growth

Cambridge Middle School in Waikato – 132 additional student spaces

Golden Sands School in Bay of Plenty – 66 additional student spaces

Maungatapu School in Bay of Plenty – 44 additional student spaces

Kowhai School in Hawke's Bay – one additional special education satellite unit

Whitney Street School in Marlborough – 44 additional student spaces

Leithfield School in Canterbury – 22 additional student spaces