Record number of new schools

Ed Balls and nine other Labour Ministers have visited 30 schools to mark the new generation of 21st Century schools which have been opened under the Labour Government. More than 180 new or refurbished schools are opening this term – the highest number of new schools opening for 30 years.

The more than 180 new schools being opened this September includes 24 new or totally refurbished schools which have been built through Labour’s Building Schools for the Future programme - the largest capital investment programme for 50 years.

Tens of thousands of pupils will benefit from starting the new term in state of the art schools or academies, with excellent sports facilities, innovative use of IT, and new multi-faith centres - including 11-year-olds who will be the first to benefit from Labour’s reforms which mean they will stay in education or training until 17.

And Labour’s Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families Ed Balls has also announced that the majority of English universities have signed up to become Academy sponsors - meaning thousands of secondary school pupils will benefit from an injection of “university culture” to help raise attainment and widen participation, particularly among deprived communities.

Ed Balls MP, and Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, said:

“We are seeing a genuine revolution in schools in this country. This term sees the highest number of new schools opened than at any time in the last thirty years with pupils and teachers coming back to study in bright and modern environments with classrooms fit for the future.

Of course we all know that what happens inside the classrooms is vital - the hopes and aspirations of the next generation are dependent on the leadership and teaching going on in schools up and down the country. That’s why I’m pleased so many new Academies are opening this term under new leadership to truly inspire staff and pupils. And by co-locating services within the 21st century schools and by finding new sponsors we can tackle all the barriers to learning inside and outside the schools and raise aspirations for every child in every community.

But as every teacher, child and parent knows going to school in a brand new building which is designed for the 21st century can make all the difference. We are now turning the corner on decades of under investment and it is children and young people who are seeing the benefits.