Major School Rebuilds Begin in England

The Education Secretary, Nadhim Zahawi, has broken ground on one of the first schools to be rebuilt under Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s ten-year School Rebuilding Programme, as he joined workers, pupils and staff at West Coventry Academy.

The School Rebuilding Programme carries out major rebuilding and refurbishment projects at schools and sixth form colleges across England, with all new buildings to be net-zero carbon in operation.

The Education Secretary was visiting West Coventry Academy, where new buildings will be designed to reduce both energy consumption while also supporting the UK’s net-zero 2050 target. The £38.4 million project is a complete rebuild of the school and will include a brand-new, state-of-the-art sports hall, which will also serve the local community.

Mr Zahawi said: “Today I broke ground on one of the first 500 schools that the Government is rebuilding, which will transform the lives of thousands of children over years to come.

“We are revolutionising the school estate to future-proof both our children’s education and the environment, with new school buildings that are net zero in operation – leading the charge for more sustainable schools and supporting students and teachers to make a positive impact on the environment.

“These rebuilds and refurbishments, with the first 100 projects backed by £2 billion Government funding, will create world-leading education facilities, from classrooms and science labs to sports halls and dining rooms.”

The Government is currently consulting on how to prioritise which schools will be selected for the School Rebuilding Programme in the future. The Department for Education will be showcasing work to make school sites more sustainable at COP26 in Glasgow this coming November.

Measures which will be announced at COP26 will focus on the Government championing climate education and skills, as well as making it easier for schools and pupils alike to support local biodiversity and make a positive impact on the world around them.

The DoE is also looking at how it can take school buildings a step further in lowering their carbon footprint, including research into construction and layout of school sites, the creation of more outdoor spaces within schools, and improvements to the way schools are powered.

COP26 will bring education and climate ministers together from across the world to set out the Government’s vision and encourage others to make commitments to sustainable education – making schools greener while equipping young people with knowledge about their environment and highlighting education and training opportunities in the green economy.

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