Third independent evaluation of BSF published
18 March 2010
The third annual independent evaluation of the BSF programme carried out by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) - which finds clear early evidence that BSF schools are raising pupil aspirations and improving behaviour - is published today [18 March 2010].
Over eight out of 10 headteachers surveyed believe the Government's once-in-a-generation programme to rebuild or refurbish England's entire secondary school estate is transforming learning in schools, according to a new report published today.
Tim Byles, Chief Executive of Partnerships for Schools, said: "When I visit schools across England and meet some of the 130,000 pupils and over 12,000 teachers already benefitting from BSF investment, I hear time and again about how new and refurbished schools and improved ICT are making a difference to young people and to staff.
"Today's independent evaluation of BSF progress shows the vast majority of heads and pupils in completed BSF schools are positive about the benefits from new and refurbished facilities. It also provides us with more evidence about improvements in pupil attitudes, aspirations and behaviour; staff morale, recruitment and retention; and better access to school facilities for all members of the local community.
"BSF is a much scrutinised and reviewed government programme, which is rightly so, and the third annual evaluation provides us with more lessons learned and areas to refine and develop in our work with local authorities and schools as BSF gathers further momentum."
Other key findings from headteachers surveyed as part of the evaluation include:
- 81 per cent agreed or strongly agreed that BSF will contribute to educational transformation in their school;
- 77 per cent agreed or strongly agreed that BSF is more visionary than other capital investment programmes;
- 84 per cent believed that BSF is enabling their school to improve relationships with parents;
- 80 per cent believed BSF has the potential to improve the quality of teaching and learning; and
- 89 per cent believed BSF will enable their school to be at the heart of their community.
A copy of the PwC report can be found online at www.teachernet.gov.uk/management/resourcesfinanceandbuilding/bsf. A supporting Technical Report is also available, as are the earlier annual reports.
