THE Scottish Government has announced a further £1 billion investment in rebuilding and refurbishing the nation’s schools.
The new funding begins in 2021 when the current school building programme ends. The Scottish Government said the fund will deliver “digitally enabled, low-carbon schools and campuses” with a design that will ensure they are “inclusive and welcoming places”.
New investment models to support the scheme will be developed with COSLA and councils, with decisions on which schools will benefit focused on those in the poorest condition.
Speaking at the Education Buildings Scotland conference in Edinburgh, Deputy First Minister John 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.”
Councillor Stephen McCabe, COSLA’s Children and Young People Spokesperson added, “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.”
