Children across England are set to benefit from £470 million in essential maintenance funding to modernise and improve school buildings and sixth form colleges.
A total of 656 schools and sixth forms will share in this investment, which will go towards projects such as repairing leaking roofs, removing dangerous asbestos, and upgrading classrooms and facilities. This initiative will help ensure pupils are learning in environments that are safe, warm, and fit for the future.
The funding is part of the government’s wider Plan for Change, focused on rebuilding public trust by investing in vital services and tackling years of neglect across public buildings.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said:
“The defining image of the school estate under the previous government was children sitting under steel props to stop crumbling concrete falling on their heads. It simply isn’t good enough.
Parents expect their children to learn in a safe, warm environment. It’s what children deserve, and it is what we are delivering.
This investment is about more than just buildings – it’s about showing children that their education matters, their futures matter, and this government is determined to give them the best possible start in life.”
The government has confirmed a £2.1 billion investment for the school estate for 2025 to 2026 — nearly £300 million more than the previous year — to improve safety and restore pride in the places where children learn.
Additionally, £1.4 billion will be invested to accelerate the school rebuilding programme, with work beginning on 100 schools this year alone. These new, high-quality, energy-efficient buildings will feature modern facilities such as sports halls, IT rooms, school kitchens and safe outdoor play areas.
The upgrades will begin this summer and continue throughout the 2025 to 2026 financial year, supporting a school estate that delivers excellence for generations of children to come.