Oathall Community College in Haywards Heath is one of the latest 239 schools across England set to benefit from the Conservative Government’s ten-year School Rebuilding Programme, which has invested over £13 billion to maintain and improve schools since 2015.
The School Rebuilding Programme was announced in June 2020 and will rebuild or refurbish 500 schools over the next decade. The objective is to tackle buildings in the poorest condition to create safe and modern buildings where young people can gain the knowledge and skills they need to excel.
Today’s announcement of 239 rebuilding and refurbishment projects follows 161 projects previously announced between June 2020 and July 2022, bringing the total to 400. Delivery of many of the 161 projects is already underway, bringing transformational new buildings to communities up and down the country and making a significant contribution to the Government’s levelling up agenda.
The School Rebuilding Programme is backed by £1.8 billion of government funding this financial year, helping to rebuild and refurbish primary, secondary, and specialist schools, in addition to sixth form colleges around England.
Each school in the programme has been selected based on the condition of its buildings, making sure the greatest improvements are delivered for schools that need them the most and maximising children’s chances to gain the skills and knowledge they need.
The new buildings will be more energy efficient for future winter resilience, helping schools keep bills down and meeting our Net Zero commitments.
Construction of new buildings at some of the previously announced schools is already underway, with a number of projects almost completed.
As well as delivering world-class learning environments for pupils, the School Rebuilding Programme will also create opportunities, jobs, and apprenticeships – from the construction industry to suppliers, businesses will be offering training as part of their involvement in the projects.
Commenting, Mims Davies MP for Mid Sussex said: "I am absolutely delighted Mid Sussex will be part of this fund with Oathall Community College in Haywards Heath benefitting from the next round of the School Rebuilding Programme. I greatly look forward to hearing about the full extent of the project at this popular local secondary school in due course and what it will mean for the students and staff.”
Commenting, Education Secretary Gillian Keegan said: “Education is a top priority for this Government. That is why, despite facing challenging economic circumstances, we are investing a record amount in our schools and colleges. Today’s announcement will transform hundreds of schools across the country and ensure they are fit for the future. The additional funding, alongside fantastic new facilities, will mean our brilliant teachers can get on with what they do best – and inspire the next generation.”