Source · Select Committees · Education Committee
Recommendation 15
15
Accepted in Part
Establish a long-term programme to replace or modernise high-risk system-built school blocks.
Recommendation
We recommend that the Government establish a long-term programme to replace or modernise system-built blocks most at risk, aligning investment with safety priorities. (Recommendation, Paragraph 59)
Government Response Summary
The government has partially accepted, stating they are investing almost £20 billion in the School Rebuilding Programme through to 2034-35 but do not anticipate including any specific system or construction types as a matter of course.
Government Response
Accepted in Part
HM Government
Accepted in Part
Recommendation: Partially accepted The Education Estates Strategy, set out a long-term plan for the education estate. At its core is more proactive management, long-term strategic maintenance and renewal that prioritises condition need, risk and resilience alongside delivering high-quality new buildings where they are needed. We are investing almost £20 billion in the School Rebuilding Programme through to 2034–35, delivering rebuilding projects at over 750 schools. There are over 519 schools already in the programme, with well over half in delivery, and a further 250 schools will be selected by early 2027. Places will be prioritised for schools and sixth-form colleges in the worst condition and in the local areas where places are needed now and in the future. The nomination round is open with guidance and criteria on GOV.UK. Due to the variety of building methods and materials in the estate, we do not anticipate including any specific system or construction types as a matter of course. The Government has also committed to investing almost £3 billion per year by 2034–35 in capital maintenance to improve the condition of the school and college estate. This is alongside a new Renewal and Retrofit Programme backed by over £700 million to 2029–30. This will deliver renewal projects to improve the condition of school and college buildings and increase resilience to climate change so buildings can last for decades to come and are net zero ready.