Schools and learning

Hertfordshire Primary Schools Capital Programme

The government has announced that it will release £1.75billion to rebuild hundreds of primary schools in England. Local authorities will invest a further £1.8billion to improve the quality of school buildings.

Hertfordshire is among 41 local authorities to meet all the requirements set out in government guidance, receiving unconditional approval for its strategy (see document below). The project forms part of the Primary Capital Programme which is investing £7billion to refurbish or rebuild half of all primary schools by 2022-23.

Before submitting its proposals earlier this year the County Council agreed that the top priority over the next two years is to rebuild two schools: Roebuck Primary in Stevenage, and Highwood Primary in Bushey.

Two St Albans Schools have also been prioritised for funding in the first two years of the programme. Mandeville Primary needs to be expanded to accommodate extra pupils, and Cunningham Hill Junior has specific issues relating to condition which need to be addressed.

The County Council will receive funding for projects in two phases, which is likely to be £8million in 2009-10 and between £8 and £12million in 2010-11.