859 academies, sixth-form colleges and voluntary aided schools will receive a share of £456 million from the Condition Improvement Fund, with over 1,000 projects selected.

This new investment will upgrade and improve school and college facilities, providing pupils with safer and warmer classrooms, and more energy efficient school buildings.

The Conservative Government announced £1.8 billion of capital funding for the financial year 2023-24 to improve the condition of school buildings – including £1.1 billion for local authorities, large multi-academy trusts and voluntary aided bodies.

The announcement follows on from the 239 new school buildings confirmed in December as part of the Schools Rebuilding Programme, with 400 out of 500 schools and sixth form colleges now selected for rebuilds through the ten-year programme.

Commenting, Mr Fell said:

“When I speak to Furness’ school heads, the condition of the buildings that they use comes up time and again. We have excellent schools, but we must continue to invest in safe, warm and energy efficient classrooms, so pupils have the facilities they need to study effectively and succeed.

“That is why I welcome the news that the Conservative Government is investing an additional £456 million into our school buildings across the country, delivering over 1,000 building improvement projects, including at Victoria Academy, Newton Village Academy and Chetwynde School. This investment is also exceptionally welcomed for Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School who I have been in close touch with about the much-needed work to their school buildings.”

“Every school should have high-quality facilities and our investment will deliver this so pupils can develop the skills they need for their careers as we grow the economy.”

Commenting, Minister for the School System, Baroness Diana Barran MBE said:

“Our Condition Improvement Fund has already completed over ten thousand projects, making a difference to pupils and teachers across the country. These projects help to create safer learning environments that make a difference to the quality of education for pupils.

“It’s hugely important that every school has access to high-quality learning facilities and these funding allocations will make sure that responsible bodies can start to plan ahead and get projects started to replace roofs, boilers and windows – so pupils and teachers can learn and work in a comfortable space.”