The Minimum Design Standard for BSF, jointly developed by the Department for Education (DfE), Partnerships for Schools (PfS) and the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE), will mean that designs which do not meet the rigorous standard will not be able to proceed through procurement.

High-quality learning environments which are safe, welcoming and inspiring places for young people are central to the success of BSF. There are already examples of good and transformational design in BSF - but we want to see even more of them as the national programme to rebuild and refurbish secondary schools gathers momentum.

The Minimum Design Standard (MDS) will ensure that only the best designs make it into construction - and bidders will be under no illusion that designs not meeting the standard will be sent back to the drawing board. It will create the circumstances where architects can achieve their best work - and information and support will be available to help them to do this.

The MDS will apply to all BSF projects which start procurement from now on. The workings of the MDS will be finalised once the first five BSF projects to use the new standard have reached Financial Close.

Read our Minimum Design Standard FAQs for further information