Government Launches 10-Year Plan to Transform Schools and Colleges Across the United Kingdom with Modern Classrooms and Inclusive Facilities

Hundreds of thousands of children and young people in the UK are set to see their classrooms completely transformed over the next ten years.

The government has launched a sweeping 10-year Education Estates Strategy aimed at ending decades of patchwork repairs and creating schools and colleges that are truly fit for the future.

For too long, millions have been spent on temporary fixes to buildings that are outdated, unsafe, or simply not suitable for modern teaching.

Leaky roofs, broken heating, and poor accessibility have often distracted school leaders from what matters most: giving children the education they deserve.

This new strategy promises to change that.

Schools Designed for Inclusion

A key part of the plan is making schools inclusive by design.

Every secondary school is expected to have an “inclusion base” — a dedicated space where pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) can receive targeted support while staying part of mainstream education.

These spaces can be newly built areas, refurbished rooms, or repurposed classrooms, giving schools flexibility to meet the needs of their students.

Evidence from schools that already offer SEN units shows that inclusion bases have a strong positive impact, helping children thrive academically and socially alongside their peers.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson emphasized, “This is about more than buildings — it’s about breaking down barriers to opportunity.

Every child deserves to learn in a safe, accessible environment, with the right facilities to meet their needs and help them thrive.”

Tackling Climate and Digital Challenges

The plan also addresses the practical challenges that schools face today.

Over £700 million is earmarked for a new Renewal and Retrofit Programme to fix leaky roofs, heating systems, and protect against flooding.

These improvements could extend the life of school buildings by 15 to 40 years, and might have prevented some of the more than 40 school closures due to building issues last year.

Another £300 million will fund the Connect the Classroom initiative, ensuring all schools can support modern technology and bridge the digital divide.

With lessons increasingly relying on online tools and interactive learning, this is seen as essential for future-ready classrooms.

A Record Investment in the Education Estate

The broader 10-year strategy is backed by £38 billion in capital investment from 2025-26 to 2029-30 — the highest since 2010.

Alongside this, more than £3.7 billion will create 60,000 new places for children with SEND across the country, reshaping schools to meet the needs of every child.

“This decade-long plan marks a turning point,” Phillipson said.

“We’re breaking the cycle of patching and mending and giving schools the tools to spot problems early, invest in repairs and upgrades, and rebuild where it’s needed most.”

A Focus on Mainstream Inclusion

The government’s message is clear: schools should not only be fit for purpose but also fit for the future.

Mainstream inclusion is at the heart of the strategy, ensuring children of all abilities can succeed in their local school.

By designing buildings that are safe, accessible, and adaptable, the plan aims to show young people that their education and futures truly matter.

What’s Next?

Over the coming decade, schools and colleges across the country will gradually benefit from new buildings, refurbished spaces, and modern digital facilities.

School leaders will receive guidance on creating effective inclusion bases, while local authorities will coordinate repairs and upgrades to ensure every pupil has access to a high-quality learning environment.

The government will monitor progress, report on outcomes, and ensure funding is used to create long-lasting improvements rather than short-term fixes.

Parents, teachers, and pupils can expect to see incremental changes over the next few years, with the most pressing repairs prioritized first.

Summary

The government has unveiled a 10-year Education Estates Strategy to transform UK schools and colleges.

The plan focuses on building classrooms fit for the future, improving inclusivity through dedicated inclusion bases for SEND pupils, and addressing issues like overheating, flooding, and outdated infrastructure.

With over £38 billion in investment, including £700 million for building repairs and £300 million for digital upgrades, the strategy aims to create safe, accessible, and resilient learning environments.

The initiative also includes £3.7 billion to create 60,000 new SEND places and incorporates mainstream inclusion into school design, ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said the plan breaks the cycle of patchwork repairs, showing that the government is committed to giving every child the best possible start in life.