- Education Secretary ‘breaks ground’ at one of first schools
to benefit from new 10-year School Rebuilding Programme
- All buildings in the programme to be rebuilt to enhanced
sustainability standards and become net zero in operation
- £2bn investment to rebuild first 100 schools, transforming
the lives of thousands of pupils has begun
Education Secretary , today (23rd September) ‘broke ground’ on
one of the first 100 schools to be rebuilt under the Prime
Minister’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 school and sixth form college buildings
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 energy consumption and
support the UK’s net zero by 2050 target.
The £38.4 million project is a complete rebuild of the school,
and includes a brand new, state of the art sports hall, which
will also serve the local community.
The government is currently consulting on how to prioritise which
schools will be selected for the School Rebuilding Programme in
future.
Education Secretary 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 £2bn government funding, will create world-leading
education facilities, from classrooms and science labs to sports
halls and dining rooms.”
The Department for Education will be showcasing work to make
school sites more sustainable at COP26 in November.
Measures to be announced at COP will focus on the government
championing climate education and skills, making it easier for
schools and pupils to support local biodiversity and make a
positive impact on the world around them.
The Department 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, but also equipping young people with knowledge
about their environment and highlighting education and training
opportunities in the green economy.
