Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

School Rebuilding Programme

Monday 21 June 2021 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The results of recent applications for the school rebuilding programme will be announced later to confirm the next 50 projects.
  • Chris Matheson asked for advice to include Upton-by-Chester High School in the next rebuilding list.
  • The Secretary of State offered to meet Chris Matheson to discuss the school's challenges.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Chris Matheson Lab
Education
Context

The school rebuilding programme has already announced its first 50 projects and is set to identify the next round of projects this year.

Question

When will the results of the recent applications for the school rebuilding programme be announced?

Answer from Gavin Williamson

We announced the first 50 rebuilding projects in February as part of the commitment to 500 projects over the next decade. A process to identify the next 50 projects, informed by the Department's data on the condition of schools, began in March, and we plan to confirm which schools are included later on this year.

Answered
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Q2 Chris Matheson Lab
Education
Context

Upton-by-Chester High School, rated good with an outstanding sixth form, needs a rebuild. The local authority's maintenance repair budget is inadequate.

Question

What advice can the Secretary of State give to ensure Upton-by-Chester High School is included in the next list for school rebuilding?

Answer from Gavin Williamson

As tempted as I am to pre-announce that list to the hon. Gentleman, I am afraid I am not in that position. I would be very happy to meet him to discuss some of the challenges that he has. The reason that we have announced a commitment to the rebuilding of 500 schools, admittedly over a number of years, is so that we are able to have proper sight of some of the challenges that high schools and primary schools face, have proper information on their condition and have a proper understanding as to where that priority sits as part of a broader national priority. I would be very happy to sit down with the hon. Gentleman to discuss that in further detail.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific advice for getting Upton-by-Chester High on the rebuild list was not provided

How: Tempted As I Am To Pre-Announce, I Would Be Very Happy To Meet Him

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