Pupils across England are set to benefit from £470m worth of essential maintenance fixes being rolled out across schools.

Children at 656 schools and sixth forms will benefit from a share of £470m for projects like fixing crumbling roofs and removing dangerous asbestos.

The funding is part of the £2.1bn investment into the school estate this year, as the Government forges on with delivering for the public through its Plan for Change.

This investment will deliver energy-efficient, warm classrooms with safe outdoor spaces that are not just fit for lessons, but for the future

Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, said: “The defining image of the school estate under the previous government was children sitting under steel props to stop crumbling concrete falling on their heads. It simply isn’t good enough.

“Parents expect their children to learn in a safe warm environment. It’s what children deserve, and it is what we are delivering.

“This investment is about more than just buildings; it’s about showing children that their education matters, their futures matter, and this government is determined to give them the best-possible start in life.

“This investment will deliver energy-efficient, warm classrooms with safe outdoor spaces that are not just fit for lessons, but for the future – creating a welcoming and supportive school environment for generations of children so they can achieve and thrive as they progress through their education.”

This investment is about more than just buildings; it’s about showing children that their education matters, their futures matter, and this government is determined to give them the best-possible start in life

The Department for Education confirmed a £2.1bn investment for the school estate for 2025-2026, almost £300m more than the previous year to fix the foundations of the school estate.

A further £1.4bn will back the acceleration of the school rebuilding programme this year, with a commitment to kickstart projects at 100 schools this year alone, rejuvenating the school estate by delivering new, high-quality buildings that are not just energy efficient, but fit for all pupils’ needs.

This will provide high-tech facilities that will raise the standards of education through new sports halls, IT rooms, school kitchens and playgrounds that children and staff can enjoy for years to come.

Projects will be delivered during the 2025 to 2026 financial year, with the first upgrades expected to begin this summer.