SCHOOL buildings on the Isle of Wight are to benefit to the tune of £1.8m in a government handout.

Schools' minister Catherine Ashton announced that 87 major school projects from across the country will receive £193m from the Targeted Capital Fund.

Special needs pupils will be the focus of 36 of the projects, totalling £90m.

Catherine Ashton said: "A clear link exists between well-maintained and well-equipped schools, and high levels of pupil attainment.

"Although there is further work to be done in addressing the needs of school buildings which are in poor condition, the money invested so far is having a significant effect in moving us away from the patch and mend approach of the past, towards the rebuilding and modernising of our schools, making them suitable for the teaching and learning needs of the 21st century."

She added: "The government is firmly committed to ensuring that all children reach their full potential, and that is why we have increased by 50 per cent since last year the funding for projects which will benefit children with special educational needs, both in mainstream schools and in improved special schools."

The £1.8m earmarked for the Island will go towards reorganisation programmes at Medina House and Watergate Schools in Newport.