Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Condition of School Buildings

Monday 1 November 2021 · 5 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 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Department has allocated 11.3 billion since 2015 to improve school conditions, including 1.8 billion for the current financial year.
  • Ilkley Grammar School has received attention for its poor condition, with the Department highlighting the Condition Improvement Fund's support for over 1,400 projects.
  • The Department's school rebuilding programme aims to transform 500 schools over the next decade, targeting those in the worst condition.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Simon Jupp
Education
Context

The MP is concerned about deteriorating school buildings and the need for improvements.

Question

What steps his Department is taking to help improve the condition of school buildings. The MP inquired about specific measures being implemented by the government to address the worsening conditions in schools across various constituencies, highlighting the importance of such initiatives given recent issues with building integrity and safety.

Answer from Robin Walker

We have allocated £11.3 billion since 2015 to improve the condition of schools, including £1.8 billion in this financial year. Our new school rebuilding programme will transform 500 schools over the next decade. We expect to start the selection process for the next round by early 2022.

Answered
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Q2 Robbie Moore Con Keighley and Ilkley
Education
Context

Ilkley Grammar School in Robbie Moore's constituency is facing serious structural issues, including roof leaks and collapses. Despite previous funding applications being rejected, the MP seeks urgent consideration for future proposals.

Question

Ilkley Grammar School in my constituency has a roof prone to leaking, has internal damage and is in desperate need of repair. Last year, the situation got worse, with the roof collapsing in a small part of the school. Unfortunately, Ilkley Grammar School has already had two bids to the condition improvement fund for a roof replacement rejected. Following last week's news of more funding for schools, may I make an urgent plea to the Minister that he consider granting funding for any future proposal that we submit?

Answer from Robin Walker

I am grateful to my hon. Friend for bringing the case of Ilkley Grammar School to my attention, which he has certainly done effectively. The condition improvement fund prioritises significant condition need, keeping buildings safe and in good working order. It has supported more than 1,400 projects at more than 1,200 schools and sixth forms during the current financial year. Applications for the 2022-23 round will be assessed according to the criteria that will be published shortly.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Urgent reconsideration of future funding proposals

How: Under Review, Criteria Publication

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Q3 Caroline Johnson Con Sleaford and North Hykeham
Education
Context

The MP is advocating for a school relocation and merger due to growth in her constituency. She has previously met with government officials, including the former Minister for the School System.

Question

The lovely market town of Sleaford is growing— The MP discussed plans for relocating and merging schools due to population growth, emphasizing the need for departmental support to address this issue.

Answer from Robin Walker

I know that my hon. Friend has championed this issue, and indeed has been visited by Ministers from the Department, including the former Minister for the School System, Baroness Berridge. The school rebuilding programme will be targeted at schools in the worst condition. While I understand that there are merits in the proposed relocation and merger, we must make hard decisions about how we prioritise use of the Department's budget, but of course I should be happy to meet my hon. Friend and discuss this further.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Hard prioritization decisions

How: Must Make Hard Decisions

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Q4 Simon Jupp
Education Environment
Context

The grounds of Tipton St John Primary School in East Devon have been flooded twice recently, posing a risk to life. Previous relocation plans were rejected by local councillors.

Question

The grounds of Tipton St John Primary School in East Devon have been flooded for the second time in a week. Previous flooding of the school led the Environment Agency and the Department for Education to warn of a risk to life. Earlier this year, plans to move the school to Ottery St Mary were rejected by local councillors. Will my hon. Friend please include flood risk in the criteria for the next phase of the school rebuilding programme?

Answer from Robin Walker

As one who represents a constituency where schools have been flooded, I am sympathetic to the issues my hon. Friend has raised. The Department is aware of the flood risk to the school, and is working with the relevant parties to find a solution. We have consulted on how to select schools for the next round of the school rebuilding programme, and we are currently considering the extent to which flood risk will be part of the selection criteria, alongside other condition and safety concerns.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Inclusion of flood risk in selection criteria

How: Consultation, Considering Criteria

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Q5 Margaret Ferrier SNP
Education
Context

Sprinkler systems are already mandatory in Scotland and Wales. The MP seeks an assessment of the benefits of such a requirement for English school buildings.

Question

May I again call attention to a physical safety issue in schools in England? Sprinklers are already mandatory in Scotland and Wales. What recent assessment has the Secretary of State made of the benefit of mandatory sprinkler systems in English school buildings?

Answer from Robin Walker

This is certainly an issue which the Department keeps under review, and I should be happy to speak to the hon. Lady about it in more detail.

Not addressed: Recent assessment of mandatory sprinklers

How: Under Review

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