Prime Minister Boris Johnson has unveiled a £1bn rebuilding programme for schools in England today (June 29).
The transformative ten-year scheme, supported by over £1bn in funding, represents the first major rebuilding programme since 2014.
Starting in 2020-21, the first 50 projects will be focused on the school buildings in the worst condition across England, with ‘substantial’ investment in the North and the Midlands.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said:
“All children deserve the best possible start in life – regardless of their background or where they live.
“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.
“This major new investment will make sure our schools and colleges are fit for the future, with better facilities and brand-new buildings so that every child gets a world-class education.”
Projects will be confirmed in Autumn of this year, and construction will begin on the first sites from September 2021, with emphasis on greener buildings, with modern construction methods to support highly skilled jobs and boost the construction sector.
£560m will also put aside for school repairs and upgrades, as well as £200m for FE colleges, as part of the £1.5bn investment into the FE college estate in the Spring Budget.
A competition for further funding will launch later this year, to make sure everyone has the chance to access high technical skills and unlock growth across the country.
It comes after the Education Secretary announced a £1bn ‘catch-up plan’ to support those hit hardest by lost teaching time.
LISTEN: The wider impact of Covid-19 on our children
