UK Schools Receive £470M for Urgent Repairs, Safety Upgrades

A total of £470 million from the Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) is being allocated to hundreds of schools across England for urgent repairs and upgrades to address safety and infrastructure issues. Schools in Bedworth, Cambridgeshire, Bolton, Southampton, and Southend are among those receiving funds to replace defective heating systems, fix crumbling roofs, improve fire safety, remove asbestos, and enhance energy efficiency. The funding aims to prevent school closures caused by deteriorating facilities and ensure that children learn in safe, warm environments. Local MPs have welcomed the investment as a critical step to reverse years of neglect and underfunding under previous Conservative governments. The projects are expected to begin in the 2025-2026 financial year, with initial upgrades starting this summer. This initiative is part of wider government efforts, including the Schools Rebuilding Programme, to improve educational infrastructure nationwide.