Recommendation 37

DfE analysed the 1,000 schools with the highest level of need in terms of the condition of their buildings, and found that in 345 cases the responsible body did not make an application for the School Rebuilding Programme. In 2021, it also analysed why schools most needing maintenance and repair had not applied for the available funding. It found that some schools assessed their buildings to be in good condition, while others lacked the capacity to apply, and a small number were not aware of the funding.58 We challenged DfE about how it might persuade school leaders to take a more active interest in the 53 C&AG’s Report, paras 3.11, 3.16 54 July 2023 session, Q 41 55 July 2023 session, Qq 60–64 56 Public Accounts Committee, oral evidence, Resetting programmes, HC 1233, 5 June 2023, Qq 111, 131 57 July 2023 session, Q 70; C&AG’s Report, Figure 5 58 C&AG’s Report, paras 3.15, 3.26 The condition of school buildings 19 strategic management of their estates. DfE replied that the size of the responsible body is a significant factor, given that larger responsible bodies generally have access to greater expertise. It emphasised that its academies handbook clearly sets out the relevant estate management responsibilities, aiming to ensure that academies’ audit and risk committees take issues such as health and safety very seriously.59