Labour's Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, Ed Balls has given the green light to a new generation of primary schools by approving building plans worth £3.55 billion . The planned rebuilding and refurbishment of 1,500 schools across England can now start.

This announcement means that Labour’s Primary Capital Programme – which is investing at least £7 billion to rebuild or refurbish half of all primary and primary-age special schools by 2022-23 - will now start in earnest.

133 local authorities today received the go-ahead for their primary capital strategies. Additionally the Labour Government will provide specialised support for 15 local authorities to help them improve their plans within three months to enable funding to be released..

As well as improving the learning environment of children across the country, this huge investment will help to support jobs in the construction industry and local businesses who will be crucial to fitting out the new and refurbished schools.


Labour's Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, Ed Balls said:

“This is a once-in-a-generation chance to transform primary education in every part of the country – to sweep away buildings now reaching the end of their shelf life and drive up the quality of our schools.

“A decade ago many classroom facilities were in an appalling condition. Children deserve the best facilities that we can build and teachers deserve better classrooms to work in. Schools are now being revolutionised by the biggest, sustained capital investment for 50 years – benefiting every single primary, secondary, academy and special school in England.

“Today’s announcement means we can build state-of-the-art primary schools at the heart of our communities – so every child and family has access to year-round extended childcare; parenting support, after schools activities; and access to ICT, sports and arts facilities.

“At this challenging time for our economy, it’s vital that we sustain our investment in public services. This huge capital investment will not only improve the education of our children, but help to support jobs in the construction industry and local businesses who will be crucial to fitting out the new and refurbished schools.”