England's Schools Face Staggering £14 Billion Repair Bill
England school repairs could cost £14 billion, the NAO estimates, as headteachers report widespread unusable facilities and funding strain.
Cuneyd Erdogan ·
Bringing school buildings in England up to a satisfactory standard is expected to cost £14 billion, according to an estimate by the National Audit Office (NAO). The figure comes as school leaders report widespread problems with the condition and usability of facilities across the state sector.
The NAO estimate follows a survey by the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) that points to extensive disrepair in school infrastructure. The NAHT said the findings reflect day-to-day pressures on schools trying to keep buildings safe and functional while managing limited budgets for maintenance.
NAHT survey details: leaks, damp, mould and asbestos
The NAHT survey covered 326 headteachers and found that half of England’s schools have facilities described as unfit for purpose. Reported issues included leaks, damp, mould, asbestos, and faulty equipment, according to the association.
Among schools reporting unfit buildings, 73% said toilet blocks were either closed or not fit for use. The survey also found that 41% reported facilities for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) were unusable.
Outdoor areas were also affected. The NAHT said 64% of schools with unfit buildings reported playgrounds that were unsuitable or closed, adding to concerns about the impact of building condition on the school day.
Funding pressures and the Department for Education response
Headteachers pointed to capital funding as a central constraint. In the NAHT survey, 96% said insufficient capital funding for maintenance was a significant challenge.
The Department for Education (DfE) acknowledged the scale of the issue and said it is committed to long-term investment. The department said funding is set to rise to nearly £3 billion per year over the next decade to improve the condition of schools and colleges.
The NAHT said it plans to debate a motion at its annual conference calling for full government funding for essential capital expenditure in all state schools. The association’s proposal is aimed at ensuring repairs and upgrades can be carried out without schools having to divert resources from other priorities.