Creating Value In Schools
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The academy trust handbook flags up the role of estate management in strategic planning for schools and trusts. We unpick three questions to get leaders and governors thinking about the importance of an estates and buildings strategy.
July 2022 saw swathes of schools closing due to extreme heat. Summer 2025 hasn’t seen temperatures quite so high as yet, but we’ve definitely felt the heat.
Meanwhile, in 2024, the UK experienced some of its most extreme rainfall events, leading to many flooding incidents.
The DfE have shared research on the likely impact of climate change on schools, and both overheating and flooding are flagged up as key risks.
For consideration:
What’s the strategic plan for your school or trust? Are you planning to grow, take on new schools? Or are you being impacted by falling pupil roles, maybe?
How flexible are your buildings and estate to future developments?
Do you have the accurate information you need to support this planning?
With money saving a priority, and the government wanting schools to reach net zero for carbon emissions, what are you doing to save energy use? Water use?
Energy efficiency across the estate is good for your budget as well as the planet. Any leaking taps are costing you!
The DfE have produced two key documents to support schools and trusts in estates planning and strategy.
Find out more about these documents in Effective estate management.
Note that the 2025 academy trust handbook includes a clause on estate management within the roles and responsibilities section. It affirms that:
1.20. An academy trust’s estate is both an asset and a mechanism to deliver outcomes for pupils. DfE expects academy trusts to manage their school estate strategically and effectively and maintain their estate in a safe working condition.
