50 schools set to be in government rebuilding programme

Ministers have confirmed that 50 schools will be in the first phase of a 10-year rebuilding programme.

The schools include primary, secondary and specials as well as a sixth form college in West Yorkshire, with more than 70 per cent of the schools in the North and Midlands.

The initial rebuilds and refurbishments will create modern education environments, providing new facilities from classrooms and science labs, to sports halls and dining rooms.

More than £10 million will also be invested to support school sports and swimming facilities in England, which will be distributed through Sport England.

‘The rebuilding projects are just the start of our major ten-year programme, transforming hundreds of schools and improving the education of tens of thousands of children,’ said education secretary, Gavin Williamson.

‘Alongside this, over 15,500 children will now benefit from 21 new free schools across the country as we look to build back better after the pandemic.

‘I am determined to get all children back into education as soon as possible, and will make sure we do not let the pandemic stand in the way of giving every young person the opportunity to succeed, progress and fulfil their potential,’ he added.

Unity Howard, the director of New Schools Network added: ‘This is fantastic news for communities across the country. Free schools have an incredible track record of driving up standards, and we have seen over the past decade just how popular free schools are with parents.

‘The groups planning these new free schools should be proud today; the free school application process is demanding, and this year they have dealt with additional uncertainties owing to the pandemic. I wish them the very best of luck as they begin working towards welcoming children through the doors of their new schools in the years to come.’

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