The Welsh Government has earmarked a further £2.3 billion to modernise education infrastructure, which will be added to the £1.4bn of ‘Band A’ funding.
The money will allow the flagship 21st Century Schools and Education Programme (a major, long-term and strategic capital investment programme) to continue, as well as…
- addressing growth in demand for Welsh medium education
- making assets available for community use where demand exists.
- reducing surplus capacity and inefficiency.
- expanding of schools and colleges in areas of increased demand.
- addressing the condition of educational assets.
This second wave of investment, ‘Band B’, will comprise two funding streams; one using traditional capital, and the other using revenue funding, via a new form of Public / Private Partnership called the Mutual Investment Model (MIM).
Education Secretary Kirsty Williams opened Ysgol Cybi, a new 540 pupil Welsh primary school in Holyhead, which was funded by £9.7m of Band A funding. At the opening she stated “I am committed to raising standards, reducing the attainment gap and delivering an education system from the ground up that is a source of national pride and confidence. The 21st Century Schools and Education Programme is one of the means to achieve this ambition and represents the largest investment in our schools and colleges since the 1960s.
The first wave of funding provided though the Programme will see investment of more than £1.4 billion over the five year period ending 2019, supporting the rebuild and refurbishment of more than 150 schools and colleges across the Wales. This is why I am delighted to announce a second wave of investment for the Programme, which will begin in April 2019.
We will work closely with our partners to agree the pace of delivery and put in place investment plans that are affordable and meet our shared ambition to create sustainable learning environments that meet the needs of our communities.”
The Welsh Government is committed to supporting all of these projects, subject to approval of business cases.
