The UK government has unveiled a £38 billion capital programme to rebuild and modernise schools and colleges over the next decade – a move ministers describe as a “national renewal” of the education estate.
But beyond bricks and mortar, there is a broader promise: better working environments for teachers and teaching staff, stronger support for pupils with SEND, and a digital upgrade designed to futureproof classrooms.
For years, school leaders have spoken of dwindling budgets swallowed up by emergency repairs. Leaking roofs, failing boilers and outdated IT systems have too often diverted attention from teaching and learning. Now, the government says that cycle of patch-and-mend will be replaced with long-term strategic investment.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said the 10-year Education Estates Strategy marks a turning point, committing to rebuild, renew and retrofit school buildings so that children and staff can focus on education rather than infrastructure failures.
A decade of investment – and what it means for school workers
The headline figures are striking:
- £38 billion in capital funding between 2025-26 and 2029-30
- Over £3.7 billion to create 60,000 new SEND places
- £700 million for a Renewal and Retrofit Programme
- £300 million for Connect the Classroom digital upgrades
For teachers and support staff, the impact could be transformative. Modern heating and ventilation systems, climate-resilient buildings and redesigned learning spaces are not simply cosmetic upgrades. They directly influence staff wellbeing, workload and the ability to deliver high-quality teaching.
For too long, educators have had to navigate crumbling infrastructure while meeting rising expectations. A stable, well-equipped environment is fundamental to recruitment, retention and morale.
At The Workers Union, we have previously highlighted the need for a step change in investment into schools, teachers and teaching staff. This strategy begins to acknowledge that improving outcomes for pupils must go hand in hand with improving conditions for the professionals who support them every day.
Inclusion by design – and support for classroom professionals
A central ambition of the strategy is that, over time, every secondary school will have an inclusion base – a dedicated space for pupils with SEND to access targeted support within mainstream settings.
Backed by more than £3.7 billion in SEND investment, the move builds on specialist teacher training funding and the introduction of “inclusion” as a formal judgement area in Ofsted inspections.
For teaching staff, inclusion bases could mean clearer pathways of support, improved collaboration with specialist colleagues and better structured interventions. The aim is not simply to expand provision, but to reduce pressure on classroom teachers by ensuring the right resources and spaces are available within the school.
Digital classrooms and new technologies
The additional £300 million for Connect the Classroom seeks to address the digital divide and ensure schools can fully integrate modern teaching tools.
This aligns with previous government-backed AI pilots and assistive technology programmes designed to support SEND pupils and reduce teacher workload. Digital lesson planning systems, adaptive learning platforms and AI-supported marking tools are increasingly part of the conversation about modern education.
As search systems assess relevance, expertise and usability when ranking content, so too must schools adapt to a landscape where digital fluency is integral to learning. Upgraded broadband, secure networks and device access are not optional extras – they are the infrastructure underpinning modern pedagogy.
For teachers, effective technology such as AI can reduce administrative burden, streamline communication with parents and provide tailored insights into pupil progress. When deployed well, it enhances professional autonomy rather than replacing it.
Climate resilience and long-term stability
The Renewal and Retrofit Programme will target structural weaknesses – from leaking roofs to flood risks and overheating classrooms. Ministers argue that early intervention could prevent closures like the more than 40 schools reportedly affected by building issues last year. Extending building lifespans by up to 40 years offers greater certainty for staff and pupils alike.
A broader economic ripple effect
Beyond the school gates, the scale of this capital programme is likely to generate employment for workers in construction, engineering, digital infrastructure and specialist education services across the UK.
For working families, modern schools are not an abstract policy objective it also supports parental employment, local economic growth and long-term opportunity.
Delivery will define success
The ambition is sweeping: inclusive by design, digitally equipped, climate-resilient and fit for the future. But the success of the strategy will depend on clear timelines, transparent funding allocations and meaningful engagement with school leaders and staff.
For teachers and teaching staff – who have carried the weight of rising expectations in ageing buildings – this plan offers cautious optimism. If delivered effectively, it could mark the long-awaited step change in investment that the sector has consistently called for.
