The funding will support essential improvement works to the school's boiler system and associated infrastructure, helping to ensure that pupils and staff continue to benefit from a safe and well-maintained learning environment.

Andrew Celano, Chief Executive Officer of St Francis of Assisi Catholic Academy Trust, welcomed the announcement and said he was delighted that St Thomas of Canterbury had been awarded funding through the Condition Improvement Fund.

He said: “This funding will enable vital improvements to the school’s boiler system and infrastructure, helping to ensure that pupils and staff benefit from a safe and well-maintained learning environment for years to come.

“This successful bid demonstrates the strength of the partnership between the Trust and our schools. It reflects the commitment and collaboration of school leaders, the Trust Executive Team and Trust staff, whose efforts have been instrumental in securing this important investment for our school community.”

The Trust looks forward to working closely with the school and contractors to deliver the project successfully and ensure the improvements are completed to the highest standards.

Nationally, 684 schools and sixth-form colleges will receive a share of £450 million through the Government's Condition Improvement Fund to undertake vital improvement works, including replacing heating systems, repairing roofs and upgrading electrical infrastructure.

Separately, St Ignatius College – a large Catholic Secondary school set to join the Trust next term has also secured support through the School Rebuilding Programme which will provide a completely new whole school building – creating a state-of-the-art school enabling a transformational, sustainable and 21^st century learning environment for future generations of pupils.

About St Francis of Assisi Catholic Academy Trust (https://www.stfrancistrust.net)

St Francis of Assisi Catholic Academy Trust (St Francis Trust) is a multi-academy trust established in 2021. It currently serves nine Catholic schools – eight primary schools and one secondary school and which is growing to welcome two more Secondary schools and four more Primary schools over the next one to two years.

The Trust’s mission is to provide an outstanding Catholic education for all the children in our schools, helping them to grow in faith and reach their full potential. Guided by the values of St Francis, the Trust promotes academic excellence, spiritual development, and service to others.