Tooting MP Sadiq Khan has secured a last-minute meeting with government ministers to discuss the funding of Burntwood School’s ‘Building Schools for the Future’ (BSF) funding, which has been threatened as part of the government’s programme of cuts to education spending.

The Headteacher of Burntwood School, Helen Dorfman, and the Chair of Governors, will join Sadiq Khan at a meeting with ministers in the Department of Education on Friday, before a decision is made on the school's BSF funding next week.

As a ‘sample school’ at an advanced stage under the BSF programme, Burntwood’s application for funding is under consideration by the Department of Education.

Burntwood's £44.5m scheme was due to reach 'financial close' in November this year, with construction work due to start in February 2011.

Projects at Graveney, Chestnut Grove and Ernest Bevin have already been scrapped by the government.

Sadiq Khan MP said, "The cuts announced by the government have been devastating for local schools who have put so much work into these plans.

"I am pleased I have been able to secure this meeting before the decision is taken on Burntwood's funding, as it's vital that ministers understand the scale of investment required to serve students properly - a short-term superficial refurbishment won't be enough, and won't give good value to taxpayers over the long-term."