More than 180 new or refurbished schools are opening this term - the highest number for at least 30 years, including cutting-edge school buildings and academies.
To mark this historic milestone, Minister for the East of England, Barbara Follett visited staff and pupils at the new Gateway Academy School in Thurrock and joined Ed Balls, Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, when he officially opened the Rickstones Academy in Witham.
Thousands of pupils across the East of England will be starting this term in new buildings or new schools across the region - including the 11-year-olds who will be the first to benefit from reforms meaning they will stay in education and training up to the age of 17.
Four new Academy Schools are opening this September in the East of England:
- The Greensward Academy, Hockley nr Southend; The Maltings Academy, Witham; the Rickstones Academy, Witham
- The Open Academy, Norwich
In all there are 51 new Academies opening across England and Wales - 47 in September and four in January - taking the national total to 134. These are in addition to the new buildings. The Government is firmly committed to establishing at least 400 academies and regards the scaling up of the programme as a national imperative.
Ed Balls, Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, said:
"We are seeing a genuine revolution in schools in this country. This term sees the highest number of new schools opened than at any time in the last thirty years with pupils and teachers coming back to study in bright and modern environments with classrooms fit for the future.
"Of course we all know that what happens inside the classrooms is vital - the hopes and aspirations of the next generation are dependent on the leadership and teaching going on in schools up and down the country. That's why I'm pleased so many new academies are opening this term under new leadership to truly inspire staff and pupils. And by co-locating service within the 21st century schools and by finding new sponsors we can tackle all the barriers to learning inside and outside the schools and raise aspirations for every child in every community.
"But as every teacher, child and parent knows going to school in a brand new building which is designed for the 21st century can make all the difference. We are now turning the corner on decades of under investment and its children and young people who are seeing the benefits.
"We have already said we want to raise standards across the board and by 2011 I believe all schools can achieve at least 30 per cent of their pupils getting 5 A*-C including English and Maths at GCSE. are already making progress and by next autumn many of these National Challenge schools will benefit from new school buildings or being converted into academies. Academies are a key element of the National Challenge, and funding is available for a total of 80 Academies to open in 2009 and 100 in 2010."
Minister for the East of England, Barbara Follett said:
"It really is a privilege to visit these two new Academy Schools in Essex and to witness personally the positive reactions from students and staff as they begin the new school year in such impressive buildings. Already, I am hearing of pupils feeling safer, of feeling proud and of students enjoying going to school.
"The Building for Schools programme was launched in Essex in January 2007 and the current funding phase is worth £118m. It is tremendous to see such tangible results of this ambitious investment programme here in our region. The legacy created here will be felt when these young people, having had access to these high quality, diverse learning environments, move on, better equipped for further or higher education and the world of work."
BUILDING SCHOOLS FOR THE FUTURE
By 2020 the vast majority of BSF projects will be complete and the remaining ones will be well underway. They will provide world-class teaching and learning environments for all pupils, teachers and communities in England. Over the next 15 to 20 years, BSF will help improve the life chances of 3.3 million young people.
Tim Byles, CEO of Partnerships for Schools, the delivery agency for the Building Schools for the Future and Academies programmes said:
"The start of the new term is a very important milestone for thousands of young people and teachers up and down the country as they go back to brand new learning environments and 21st century facilities that will help them achieve their very best.
"BSF is not just about providing new buildings. It is about providing safe, welcoming and inspirational spaces where all learners are encouraged to reach their full potential.
"This new breed of school - of which over 20 are opening this month alone - provides every young person with a fresh start and new opportunities. A new school of itself is not a panacea, but when seen as a key ingredient alongside strong leadership, an energised teaching staff and engaged parents, the results can be outstanding. BSF schools that have been open for a year or more are already showing an impressive step-change in attainment, attendance and aspiration and I look forward to these success stories being replicated for every young person up and down the country."
* This year more than 50 BSF schools are due to open in 14 local authority areas. There are some truly innovative and inspirational centres of learning amongst the news schools opening this year.
Since last year all new schools built under BSF are reviewed by the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment to ensure they meet the highest design standards possible.
