Government launches ten-year school building plan

The government has launched its new ten-year Education Estates Strategy, which plots out a plan to deliver a decade of national renewal of schools and colleges – backed by an further £1 billion.

The strategy will deliver modern, inclusive facilities where all children and young people can succeed for the next decade and beyond. 

As part of the drive to make schools more inclusive by design, the government expects that every secondary school will have an inclusion base – a dedicated safe space away from busy classrooms where pupils can access targeted support.

Inclusion bases could be additional spaces within the school building or refurbishment or repurposing of existing space – for example a spare classroom – and the government will provide new guidance for schools on converting existing space into effective areas for children with SEND.

The government’s estates strategy also includes over £700 million for a new Renewal and Retrofit Programme to fix leaky roofs, repair broken heating systems and protect schools from flooding.

A further £300 million for Connect the Classroom to tackle the digital divide and ensure classrooms can support the technology that modern teaching demands.   

Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, said: "For too long, schools and colleges have been forced to patch and mend buildings that >have already deteriorated – spending their time worrying about leaking roofs instead of focusing on what matters most: giving every child the best possible education.

"This 10-year plan marks a turning point. We’re breaking that cycle with a decade of national renewal for schools and colleges. We’ve already committed to unprecedented long-term funding but we will go further, including our £700 million Renewal and Retrofit Programme to tackle problems before they become costly crises.

"This is about more than buildings – it’s about breaking down barriers to opportunity. Every child deserves to learn in a safe, accessible environment, with the right facilities to meet their needs and help them thrive."