Schools and learning

O - Disposal of School Playing Fields - HPS Property Matters

Legislation

Playing fields are protected under the School Standard and Framework Act 1998 which empowers the Secretary of State to protect school playing fields in England from disposal or change of use. Local authorities, governing bodies and foundation bodies in England wishing to dispose, or change the use of, school playing fields will require the prior consent of the Secretary of State.

Playing fields are defined as land in the open air which is provided for the purposes of physical education or recreation.

Since the introduction of new legislation in October 1998, local authorities and schools in England need permission from the Secretary of State for Education and Skills before they can sell off any school playing fields.

Since October 1998 the Secretary of State has ensured that only sports pitches that are surplus to the needs of local schools and their communities are sold and all the money is ploughed back into improving sports or educational facilities.

The Secretary of State has a general presumption against the need to dispose, or to change the use, of school playing fields.

More details are available at the web link on the right hand side of this page.

Voluntary Aided Schools please click here

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