The Portfolio Holder for Finance and Property, Councillor Stephen Shaw, approved the submission of an expression of interest to the Department for Education for the national School Rebuilding Programme. This decision was made under urgency due to the tight deadline for submissions.

School Rebuilding Programme

Councillor Stephen Shaw approved the submission of an expression of interest to the Department for Education to be considered for the national School Rebuilding Programme. This programme aims to carry out major rebuilding and refurbishment projects at schools and sixth-form colleges across England, with funding provided by the Department for Education. Schools are prioritised based on their building condition, with criteria including specific construction types requiring replacement, highest condition needs, severe and urgent condition needs, and risks that could cause significant harm to pupils or staff.

The decision authorises the Executive Director for Resources, in consultation with the Executive Director for Children and Young People, to finalise and submit the expression of interest, including nominating specific schools. It also authorises the Executive Director for Resources to enter into any necessary agreements to receive any awarded funding.

The urgency of this decision was noted due to the complexity of capital build projects and the need for multiple stakeholders to approve nominations, making it impossible to follow the usual publication procedures. A delay in submission would have prejudiced the council and the public interest by limiting access to funding for school capital works. The Chair of the Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee granted consent for the urgent decision.

Warwickshire County Council has 106 maintained schools, representing 42% of the school estate in the county. Officers will review condition surveys to identify schools that may meet the programme's criteria. The Headteachers and Governing Bodies of any nominated schools will be informed. It is important to note that as 'Responsible Bodies' must submit their own nominations, the council can only nominate its own schools. Voluntary aided schools and academy trusts will need to make their own submissions. The deadline for submissions to the Department for Education was Thursday, 23 April 2026.

There are no direct financial implications for Warwickshire County Council in submitting the expression of interest, as any successful bids will be fully funded, commissioned, and managed by the Department for Education. Similarly, the Department for Education will be responsible for ensuring that any selected projects adhere to environmental considerations and the 2021 Building Regulations.

The report was authored by Matt Biggs, Head of Access to Education, and reviewed by Councillor Stephen Shaw, Portfolio Holder for Finance and Property. The decision was made on 21 April 2026.

Further information on the School Rebuilding Programme can be found on the government's website. ¹