The Department for Education (DfE) today published its Education Estates Strategy backed by a 10-year plan of national renewal for schools and colleges in England.
The strategy sets out the government’s clear long-term vision for the education estate that supports opportunity for all, from early years to post-16, with an estate that is safe, suitable, sustainable and sufficiently sized.
It is focused around three strategic pillars: manage the estate, improve and renew the estate, and build and rebuild the estate.
At the core is a shift to more proactive management, long-term strategic maintenance and more renewal of the existing estate. This is alongside building and rebuilding where renewal is not possible and ensuring there are high-quality places from early years to post-16.
The 10-year plan will drive up standards across the education estate so more children and young people can achieve and thrive in every setting – giving schools better tools to spot problems early, investing in repairs and upgrades so buildings last for decades, and rebuilding where it’s needed most.
Backed by £38 billion in overall capital investment from 2025-26 to 2029-30 – the highest since 2010 – it will help to create buildings that are fit for purpose, inclusive by design, resilient to climate change, and fit for the future.
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.”
You can read the full press notice on GOV.UK.
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seen at 18:37, 11 February in Buying for Schools.