The long duration with extension option gives responsible bodies the certainty needed to plan multi-phase programmes. The framework supports RAAC responses, condition improvements and net-zero-aligned delivery under the £38 billion estates investment push.
By creating a pre-qualified pool of contractors the framework reduces the time and cost associated with individual tenders. High- value lots will handle the largest rebuilding schemes while the low-value band supports more numerous smaller interventions that are vital for the overall estate. Regional lots keep economic benefits within communities. With the framework live from January 2026, many trusts and local authorities can prepare call-off contracts confident in the stability provided for the full period to 2034. CF25 is expected to play a central role in translating the government’s £38 billion investment into tangible improvements on the ground for the education estate.
Focus on Net Zero: Schools to embed sustainability in 2026 builds
UK schools face growing pressure to decarbonise in 2026, driven by Department for Education (DfE) policy, the Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy, updated School Estate Management Standards, and emerging green funding streams. All education settings were required to appoint a sustainability lead and implement a Climate Action Plan by September 2025, with full impact felt this year through monitoring, reporting progress, and embedding decarbonisation, adaptation, biodiversity, and green skills.
The Education Estates Strategy, published in February 2026, allocates significant resources for energy-efficient upgrades, including the new Renewal and Retrofit Programme launching in April 2026 with £710 million to 2029/30 to improve condition, boost climate resilience, and make buildings net zero ready via low-carbon materials, renewables, and boiler replacements. Amid an estimated £16.3 billion investment gap to fully decarbonise the UK’s school estate, further initiatives are anticipated. Modular construction and renewables—such as solar PV, air-source heat pumps, and LED systems—are highlighted as practical, low- disruption solutions to cut emissions while aligning with rebuild timelines under the School Rebuilding Programme. This shift firmly positions sustainability as a core priority for new builds, refurbishments, and the broader education estate. The move toward net-zero schools is driven by the Education Estates Strategy and supporting policies.
The Renewal and Retrofit Programme provides dedicated resources for energy-efficient upgrades and climate resilience. Modular construction and renewables offer practical solutions that align with rebuild timelines under the School Rebuilding Programme. The emphasis on decarbonisation, adaptation, biodiversity and green skills embeds sustainability at every stage of estate renewal.
Although the £16.3 billion gap remains substantial, the combination of funding streams and policy support enables measurable progress toward decarbonisation within the ten-year strategy. The 2026 focus positions sustainability as a core priority for the entire education estate.
School Rebuilding Programme on track with additional funding boost
The School Rebuilding Programme (SRP) continues to advance steadily, with the Department for Education confirming 519 projects now in the programme as of February 2026.
Government funding increases, including an additional £1.4 billion commitment, are ensuring momentum, with plans to start around 100 projects in the coming year to keep delivery on track. Total investment in the SRP reaches almost £20 billion through to 2034-35, enabling the rebuild or major refurbishment of over 750 schools and sixth-form colleges, prioritising the worst- condition buildings and incorporating RAAC-affected sites.
Recent allocations also include £2.1 billion for broader capital maintenance and improvements, up £300 million from the previous year, supporting urgent completions and extensions beyond original targets. Capital funding for schools is rising progressively, from £6.8 billion in 2025/26 towards higher levels by 2029/30 under the £38 billion estates package.
Multi-academy trusts and responsible bodies are encouraged to nominate strategically via the open process (closing 23 April 2026) and plan for modern, sustainable facilities. This sustained push delivers safer, more inclusive, and future-proofed learning environments across England. With 519 projects already confirmed and a further 100 starts targeted for the coming year, the SRP maintains steady progress through the additional £1.4 billion commitment and the uplift in maintenance funding.
The total investment of almost £20 billion through to 2034-35 enables the rebuild or major refurbishment of over 750 schools and sixth-form colleges. Recent allocations of £2.1 billion for broader capital maintenance and improvements support urgent completions and extensions. Capital funding rises progressively under the £38 billion estates package. The open nomination process closing 23 April 2026 allows strategic planning for modern, sustainable facilities. The sustained push delivers safer, more inclusive, and future-proofed learning environments across England while aligning with the full Education Estates Strategy and the decade-long renewal commitment.
As delivery ramps up the focus remains on prioritising the worst-condition buildings and incorporating RAAC-affected sites. The expanded programme ensures every child benefits from buildings that are safe and fit for the future through the £20 billion investment and ongoing funding increases.
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