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Highest Number of New Schools Opening for Thirty Years
Dated: 10/09/2008
Highest Number of New Schools Opening for Thirty Years
More than 180 new or refurbished schools are opening this term - the highest number for at least 30 years, including cutting-edge school buildings and Academies.
This new generation of 21st century schools includes all-through Academies, schools with excellent sports facilities, co-location of health and community services and multi-faith centres and innovative use of IT.
Tens of thousands of pupils will be starting the new term in new buildings or new schools - including the 11-year-olds who will be the first to benefit from reforms meaning they will stay in education and training up to the age of 17.
To mark this historic milestone nine Government ministers are spending the day touring new schools up and down the country and will open a total of 30 schools.
The more than 180 new schools includes 24 new or totally refurbished schools opening this year (22 in September and 2 later in the year) which have been built through Building Schools for the Future - the largest capital investment programme for 50 years.
In all there are 51 new Academies opening - 47 in September and 4 in January – including 5 new buildings. This takes the national total to 134 The Government is firmly committed to establishing at least 400 Academies and regards the scaling up of the programme as a national imperative.
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, 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.
“We have already said we want to raise standards across the board and by 2011 I believe all schools can achieve at least 30 per cent of their pupils getting 5 A*-C including English and Maths at GCSE. We are already making progress and by next autumn many of these National Challenge schools will benefit from new school buildings or being converted into Academies. Academies are a key element of the National Challenge, and funding is available for a total of 80 Academies to open in 2009 and 100 in 2010.”
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