The Primary Capital Programme (PCP) will renew at least half of all primary schools in England by 2022/23, bringing them up to 21st century standards with wider services for children and families at the heart of their communities. The programme challenges local authorities to think long term and strategically about teaching and learning in 21st century primary schools and how capital investment can support wider transformation. The programme is supported by £1.9 billion of new capital investment over the three-year period 2008/09 to 2010/11. Subject to future spending decisions, funding is expected to continue until 2023, supported by a baseline of £500m.

The programme aims to:

• take out of use at least the worst 5 per cent of primary school buildings
• give 45 per cent of primary schools major investment to put them at the heart of their community; and
• ensure that the remaining 50 per cent have sufficient investment to maintain and improve their buildings

The Primary Capital Programme can have added impact by joining up with existing DfE funding streams. Local authorities collectively have committed to double the £1.9 billion investment by joining up with formula funding and local resources.
Ministers have agreed a light-touch approach to monitoring progress at a national and local level via the annual school building survey.