The government has announced plans for 500 schools across the country to benefit from the scheme over the next ten years. So far, 400 projects within the programme have been identified, including ten in Birmingham.
Schools considered to be in the worst condition with buildings in urgent need of replacement are prioritised in the scheme. Safety risks were assessed by the government and schools where there was potential to cause significant harm to pupils and/or staff were classed as the highest priority.
A government website reads: “The School Rebuilding Programme carries out major rebuilding and refurbishment projects at schools and sixth-form colleges across England. Projects are prioritised according to the condition of buildings taking into account things like how poor the fabric and structure of the buildings are.
“All buildings in the School Rebuilding Programme are built to the latest construction standards, designed to be net-zero in operation and more resilient to the effects of climate change. New buildings will provide modern facilities to support a world-class education ranging from classrooms and science labs to sports halls and dining rooms.”
A total of 29 schools in the West Midlands are included in the scheme. In Birmingham there are seven primaries and three secondary schools.
The Birmingham schools to be refurbished over the next ten years under the government funded scheme are:
1. Green Meadow Primary School, Selly Oak
Address: Green Meadow Road, Selly Oak, Birmingham, West Midlands B29 4EE Ofsted rating: Requires Improvement (2019) Number of pupils: 414
2. Hodge Hill Primary School
Address: 76 Twycross Grove, Hodge Hill, Birmingham, West Midlands, B36 8LD Ofsted rating: Requires Improvement (2019) Number of pupils: 759 Photo: Dominic Lipinski
3. Leigh Primary School, Washwood Heath
Address: Leigh Road, Washwood Heath, Birmingham, West Midlands, B8 2YH Ofsted rating: Good (2021) Number of pupils: 451
4. Little Sutton Primary School, Sutton Coldfield
Address: Worcester Lane, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands, B75 5NL Ofsted rating: Outstanding (2012) Number of pupils: 420