The DfE’s Education Estates Strategy: what academy trusts, schools and colleges need to know

The Department for Education’s Education Estates Strategy: A Decade of National Renewal sets out how school and college buildings in England will be managed, funded and improved over the next ten years.

The strategy signals a clear shift in expectations for academy trusts, schools and colleges. Estates management is no longer being treated as simply a maintenance issue. Instead, the DfE now sees buildings and estates as a key part of long-term educational planning, governance and sustainability.

For school leaders and trust boards, this means a greater focus on planning ahead, improving estate data, managing risks and ensuring buildings remain safe, sustainable and fit for purpose.

A move away from reactive repairs

One of the main themes of the strategy is moving away from short-term, reactive repairs towards long-term estate planning.

The DfE expects trusts and schools to manage buildings across their full lifecycle, rather than responding only when problems arise. This includes having:

• clear estates strategies
• planned maintenance programmes
• up-to-date condition information
• long-term investment plans

Estate decisions should support wider priorities such as curriculum delivery, pupil numbers, accessibility, safeguarding and sustainability.

For many trusts, this will mean taking a more structured and strategic approach to estates management.

Estates management is now a board-level issue

The strategy makes clear that responsibility for estates sits with trust boards and governing bodies.

The DfE expects boards to have oversight of estate risks, investment plans and compliance responsibilities. Estates should now be considered alongside finance, safeguarding and organisational risk management.

This does not mean board members need to become technical experts, but they should understand the condition of their estate, the main risks involved and whether the trust has the right expertise and systems in place.

Many trusts may decide they need additional estates support, either through dedicated staff, training or external advisers.

Safety and compliance remain a major focus

Safety is one of the strongest themes running through the strategy.

The DfE highlights concerns around ageing buildings, including reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC), asbestos and outdated infrastructure. The government has stated that safe learning environments are non-negotiable.

Schools and trusts will be expected to maintain accurate records covering areas such as:

• building condition
• fire safety
• statutory compliance
• asbestos management
• maintenance history

The DfE is also continuing its national surveying programme to improve the quality of condition data across the education estate.

Sustainability and energy efficiency are becoming increasingly important

The strategy places a strong focus on sustainability and reducing carbon emissions.

The DfE expects trusts and schools to consider energy efficiency and climate resilience when planning maintenance and capital works. This includes improving insulation, upgrading heating systems and adopting lower-carbon solutions where possible.

Schools are also encouraged to think about the long-term running costs of buildings, not just the upfront cost of projects.

As sustainability becomes more closely linked to funding and government policy, it is likely to become an increasingly important part of estates planning.

New reporting requirements are on the way

The DfE is introducing a new digital platform called Manage Your Education Estate, which will standardise estate reporting and data collection.

Trusts will be expected to review and report against the School Estate Management Standards (SEMS), with annual returns expected from autumn 2026.

This means accurate estate data will become even more important. Trusts should start reviewing now whether they have reliable information about their buildings, maintenance needs and compliance responsibilities.

Changes to capital funding

The strategy confirms long-term government investment in school and college buildings, including continued funding through the School Rebuilding Programme.

It also introduces a new £710 million Renewal and Retrofit Programme running between 2026 and 2030.

At the same time, the DfE plans to simplify maintenance funding arrangements and phase out Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) bidding by 2028.

While this may reduce some administrative burden, trusts will still need strong estate plans and reliable data to demonstrate need and secure future investment.

Inclusion and SEND provision remain a challenge

The government has committed £3.7 billion over five years towards inclusion spaces and special school places.

However, the strategy recognises that many schools face significant space challenges, particularly primary schools and buildings operating under PFI arrangements.

Trusts may increasingly need to consider how existing spaces can be adapted to support changing pupil needs and inclusive provision.

Making better use of surplus land

The DfE also plans to develop a framework for making better use of surplus education land and buildings.

This could include opportunities for community use or repurposing unused space. Pilot projects are expected to begin in 2026.

Further detail is expected, but this may create new opportunities for trusts to work more closely with local communities and partners.

What schools and trusts should be doing now

Although many of the changes will be introduced gradually, school leaders and trusts should begin preparing now.

Key areas to focus on include:

• reviewing estates strategies and maintenance plans
• checking the quality of estate and compliance data
• ensuring boards receive appropriate estates reporting
• identifying key building risks
• planning for sustainability and energy efficiency
• preparing for future SEMS reporting requirements

Trusts that take a proactive approach now are likely to be better placed to meet future expectations and secure long-term investment.

A significant change for the education sector

The Education Estates Strategy represents a major shift in how school and college estates are viewed nationally.

Buildings are no longer being treated simply as operational assets. Instead, they are being recognised as a core part of educational delivery, organisational resilience and long-term planning.

For school leaders, the challenge will be balancing these new expectations alongside existing financial and operational pressures. However, the strategy also provides greater clarity about the government’s long-term direction and future investment priorities.

If you would like advice on the DfE’s Education Estates Strategy: A Decade of National Renewal or the implications for academy trusts, schools and colleges, please contact Thomas Emmett on 020 7620 0888 or email thomas.emmett@geldards.com.