Some of England’s crumbling schools and colleges are to benefit from a 10-year rebuilding programme under plans to be set out by the prime minister on Monday.

Representing the first major rebuilding programme to be launched since 2014, schools will benefit from additional investment.

Schools and colleges will also receive funding this year to refurbish buildings in order to continue raising standards across the country.

The first wave of money will be spent in former red wall communities in the North and Midlands where voters showed their support for the Conservatives in the 2019 general election.

Boris Johnson said: “All children deserve the best possible start in life – regardless of their background or where they live.

“As we bounce back from the pandemic, it’s important we lay the foundations for a country where everyone has the opportunity to succeed, with our younger generations front and centre of this mission.

“This major new investment will make sure our schools and colleges are fit for the future, with better facilities and brand new buildings so that every child gets a world-class education.”

The government has committed to spend more than £1bn to fund the first 50 projects starting this year.

The projects will be confirmed in the autumn, and construction on the first sites will begin from September 2021.

Earlier this month, Education Secretary Gavin Williamson announced a £1bn COVID catch-up plan to tackle the impact of lost teaching time, a move which did not extend to colleges.

The Association of Colleges Chief Executive, David Hughes, said: “This is a good first step by the government to support colleges to be central players in the country’s recovery.

“After being excluded from the catch-up funding, colleges needed some good news this week to boost morale.

“Colleges will provide training, skills and education to over two million young people and adults next year, many of whom will need advice, support, and high quality teaching to be able to prepare for what will be a tough labour market.”

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