A ten-year transformative rebuilding programme for schools in England was announced earlier this week by prime minister Boris Johnson.
As the Gov.UK website reports, it is the first major rebuilding initiative to be launched since 2014, with schools set to benefit from a significant level of extra funding.
Both schools and colleges will be granted funding this year to modernise buildings so they can continue raising standards across the country.
The programme will start in 2020-21, with 50 initial projects backed by more than £1bn of funding. More details of what will happen in consecutive years will be revealed during the next Spending Review.
The funding will be aimed at school buildings in England currently in the worst condition – with significant investment in the Midlands and the North – as part of Boris Johnson’s strategy to ‘level up’ opportunity for all.
“All children deserve the best possible start in life – regardless of their background or where they live,” the prime minister said in the announcement.
“As we bounce back from the pandemic, it’s important we lay the foundations for a country where everyone has the opportunity to succeed, with our younger generations front and centre of this mission.”
He concluded by saying that the major investment will ensure schools and colleges are “fit for the future” with improved facilities and new buildings, ensuring that every single child can benefit from a “world-class education”.
The first wave of projects will be confirmed this autumn, with works set to start from September next year. This year, £560m of funding for schools and £200m for FE colleges will be allocated to cover repairs and upgrades.
Rebuilding projects will be greener, supporting the government’s net-zero target, and will harness modern construction methods to create highly skilled jobs and provide a welcome boost to the construction sector.
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