An additional £20 million has been allocated this year to fund essential repairs and maintenance across schools and colleges in Wales, bringing total capital maintenance funding for 2025-26 to £50 million.
The funding forms part of the Welsh Government’s Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme and will be used for large-scale works including roof replacements, new window systems, heating and ventilation upgrades, and electrical improvements.
Over the past decade, the programme has rebuilt or refurbished around 20% of the school estate in Wales.
With the latest allocation, the Welsh Government’s total investment through the programme for 2025-26 now stands at £391 million, the highest annual level since it was launched in 2014.
The maintenance funding is also designed to support Wales’s climate commitments.
All projects supported through the allocation must contribute to reducing energy use and carbon emissions, with measures such as improved insulation, more efficient heating systems and energy-efficient windows.
These upgrades are intended to create learning environments that are both more sustainable and cheaper to operate.
Education Cabinet Secretary Lynne Neagle said: “Maintaining our schools and colleges in good condition is essential for providing the best learning environments for our young people.
“Since 2018, we have invested £314 million in maintenance for schools and colleges across Wales.
“This additional £20 million will help local authorities and colleges address maintenance needs and demonstrates our continued commitment to ensuring our education estate is fit for purpose whilst driving forward targets for a net zero carbon Education Estate in Wales.”
