As the Education Secretary, I have always considered my role to be the most rewarding in government, as it allows me to positively influence the lives of young individuals and provide them with the promising futures they deserve.
I firmly believe that a person’s upbringing should not determine their future success. Regardless of their background, every child should have equal access to opportunities for a better education. Unfortunately, many schools today lack the necessary infrastructure, with deteriorating buildings and inadequate facilities, sending a message to students that they are not valued.
Addressing this issue is a priority for Labour. By the end of this Parliament, our goal is to ensure that every school and college in England not undergoing substantial rebuilding will be free of hazardous concrete structures. We are committed to creating safe and conducive learning environments for all students, emphasizing their importance and worth.
Research indicates that students in poorly maintained school buildings tend to have lower academic performance. Dilapidated schools not only hinder learning outcomes but also convey a message to students that their education is not a priority. This is particularly detrimental to disadvantaged children, those with special educational needs, and those marginalized by the system.
To rectify years of underinvestment, we have allocated a significant £38 billion capital investment in education, the highest since 2010. This funding demonstrates our commitment to children, their education, and our belief in their potential. Furthermore, we have introduced a 10-Year Infrastructure Strategy to provide schools with long-term financial certainty and support for maintenance and upgrades.
In addition to the existing school rebuilding program, we plan to rebuild an additional 250 schools, ensuring they are sustainable for the future, environmentally friendly, and designed to withstand climate challenges. Our aim is to provide children with modern, safe, and inspiring learning environments that reflect our aspirations for them and serve as community pillars.
Every child entering a school should be greeted by a setting that inspires possibility, not one that reflects neglect. Our vision for national rejuvenation involves valuing our children enough to provide them with classrooms that foster pride and enable their full potential to flourish.
