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£1.4bn investment in Welsh schools
Released 22/12/2011
Capital funding programme to refurbish Welsh schools to take place over seven years
Welsh schools to receive £1.4bn over seven years
Education Minister Leighton Andrews has announced an investment of nearly £1.4bn in Welsh schools over seven years as part of the 21st Century Schools Capital Funding Programme.
The new funding will begin in 2014-15 and “represents a realistic, targeted and ambitious programme of investment in schools across Wales”, according to the Welsh government.
Following the submission of local authorities’ outline programmes of investment in November, the Welsh Government has approved proposals that are based on local needs and circumstances. This will result in a programme aimed at addressing poor conditions and surplus capacity whilst delivering sustainable, cost-effective schools that are fit for the 21st Century.
The announcement means that all 22 local authorities should have the capacity to plan ahead and target the areas where funding is most needed.
The Minister said: “This announcement of nearly £1.4bn over seven years will ensure that we continue to provide the best learning environments for our pupils - helping us to drive up standards across our schools and meet the changing needs of learners.
“Securing capital investment in these difficult economic times is essential, not only for better education outcomes, but for the continued support of our construction industry and the growth of our economy.”
The 21st Century Schools Programme has been developed in partnership between the Welsh Government, Welsh Local Government Association, Society of Local Authority Chief Executives and Senior Managers’, Association of Directors of Education in Wales, Diocesan Directors of the Voluntary Aided Sector and Colleges Wales.
Commenting on the announcement, Cllr Peter Fox, the WLGA’s education spokesperson, said: “The 21st Century Schools Programme is a joint investment on the part of the Welsh Government and local government, with both parties providing 50% of the funding. It will enable authorities to create modern learning environments which are an essential part of raising standards and improving outcomes for children and young people.”