Education chiefs unveil £50m school building programme for Staffordshire

If the schools' capital programme is given the green light the cash will be spent on building new schools, maintaining and improving existing sites in need of repairs and facelifts in the coming year.

Staffordshire County Council’s cabinet will discuss the plans which could result in scores of primary and secondary schools benefit from maintenance and improvement projects.

The county's education chief Councillor Jonathan Price said: "Investing in our schools and creating an environment that fosters learning is essential for our children's success. 

This year, we are dedicating £50 million to Staffordshire schools for maintenance and improvements, with £10m specifically allocated to enhancing existing facilities for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

 “Additionally, we are committed to making our schools more energy-efficient, supporting the county council's goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions.

"This funding will also be used to create new school places and improve current provisions, ensuring that all children, regardless of their background, have access to quality education that helps them reach their full potential. We’re committed to providing the best possible education for every child, and our targeted investment in schools demonstrates this commitment.”

 This year will see an investment of around £10mn to increase the number of places available and to improve existing SEND provision. The council said money will also be spent on helping schools to combat rising energy costs, including improving insulation and ventilation, and installation of energy-efficient lighting and air-source heat pumps wherever appropriate. 

 Last year, numerous schools across the region saw buildings refurbished and renewed and four new primary schools were opened.

In addition, some schools have been expanded to add places and improve their provision for special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) including Walton Hall Academy in Stafford Road, Eccleshall; Littleton Green Primary School  in Colliers Way, Huntington near Cannock, and Rocklands School in Purcell Avenue in Lichfield.

The council's cabinet is expected to approve recommendations including to approve the schools' capital programme 2025/26, to authorise senior directors to monitor progress, and enter into contracts for schemes valued at or above £2m. 

 The cabinet members will discuss the plans next Wednesday (February 19).

Burleyfields Primary School is being completed in Martin Drive in Stafford and is due to open to pupils in September.