£1 Billion for Scotland’s schools

The Scottish Government will invest a further £1 billion in rebuilding and refurbishing schools, Deputy First Minister John Swinney has announced.

The new funding, which will kick in from 2021 when the current school building programme ends, will benefit around 50,000 pupils – in addition to the 60,000 who will see their schools renewed or refurbished by the end of this Parliament.

The fund will deliver digitally enabled, low-carbon schools and campuses providing benefits to pupils and the local economy. The design of schools will ensure they are inclusive and welcoming places that meet the needs of all who use them.

New investment models to support the scheme will be developed in partnership with COSLA and councils, with decisions on which schools will benefit focused on those in the poorest condition. It is expected that partnership design and development work will begin next year.

Speaking at the Education Buildings Scotland conference in Edinburgh, Mr Swinney said: “Every pupil should have the best support throughout their education, which includes access to high-quality, up-to-date facilities that parents, staff and children can be proud of.

“This further £1 billion investment will build on the progress already made by the existing Schools for the Future Programme and drive further improvements in the learning estate from 2021.

“We have worked closely with local authorities since 2009 and will deliver 117 new school projects benefitting 60,000 pupils by March 2020. We will keep up the momentum of improvements in education facilities throughout Scotland.”

COSLA’s Children and Young People Spokesperson Councillor Stephen McCabe said: “I am pleased that this investment will be developed in partnership with COSLA. It is vitally important that we get this right and we look forward to working with the Scottish Government to ensure that we do. 

“All of our children and young people deserve to be taught in the best possible facilities to enhance the learning and teaching experience and it is vital that we work together to make this opportunity work for every pupil in every community.”

The news was welcomed by the city council’s Education convener Cllr Ian Perry, who said: “Today’s announcement is welcome news as it gives us the opportunity to forge ahead with our ambitious plans to replace six high schools as part of our Wave 4 programme.

“We want to replace these poor condition high school buildings with fit for purpose, learning and community hubs. These will be innovatively and sustainably designed so they are inspirational places for learning for the next generation.

“We already have robust business cases in place and will be developing master plans so we are in a prime position to take forward these plans. We estimate that around £200m is needed and have identified potential Council funding of £100m. We will be delighted to work in partnership with the Scottish Government, COSLA and others to develop a joined-up investment strategy which will ensure the full Wave 4 programme can be implemented as quickly as possible.”

Cllr Alison Dickie, Education Vice Convener, said: “This announcement from the Scottish Government gives us a great opportunity to innovatively build schools for the future that are fit for 21st Century learning. A key element of any new school design are the many aspects that support greater accessibility and inclusion for all young people.  

“As a former teacher I know how important it is to embrace innovative ways of improving the learning environment. We will ensure that new schools are designed to be inclusive and meet the wide variety of learning styles and learner needs. When pupils are comfortable and happy, they will want to engage even more in the amazing learning that is already taking place, which is everyone’s end goal. We are committed to creating a first-class education estate and ensuring all our children have the best possible learning environment in which to flourish.”

A total of £1.8 billion has been invested in the school estate since 2009 through the Schools for the Future programme, comprising £1.13 billion of Scottish Government funding and £665 million from councils.

A new school project is being delivered in every local authority area in Scotland. The current phase of the programme concludes in 2020.