Building a greener school estate

The first 50 schools have been chosen for rebuilding work under the government’s ten-year programme, which aims to create a fit-for-purpose and greener school estate.

This issue of Education Business looks at the first wave on the  rebuilding programme, as well as some of the schools that have won funding, on page 15.

At the time of announcing the programme, it was said that rebuilding projects will be greener, helping meet the government’s net zero target. On page 23, Alex Green, schools manager of the Let’s Go Zero campaign, explains how a growing number of schools are signing up to become zero-carbon by 2030. A school’s energy use is a major factor in this journey and so Alex shares tips on how old school buildings can implement energy saving measures, while new builds can embed energy efficiency within their fabric.

Schools have now welcomed back all pupils following the second round of closures caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, and rapid virus testing procedures are now in place. But while children and young people are back in the classroom, schools must still ensure that they can switch to remote learning in instances where children have to self isolate, or there is an outbreak in their school. On page 51, computer science teachers and computing lead teachers share tips about how to make remote education work well, and what changes are here to stay. Page 45 meanwhile gives advice on how to make a school’s IT infrastructure fit-for-purpose.

Angela Pisanu, editor