The poor state of school buildings in the UK is not just a matter of crumbling concrete – it’s a crisis that is impacting over 1.5 million students. Award-winning screenwriter Frank Cottrell-Boyce, the UK’s children’s laureate, has sounded the alarm on the detrimental effects of rundown schools on pupils, highlighting the consequences of a 14-year freeze on funding per pupil in England.
The Impact of Neglected Schools
Cottrell-Boyce has emphasized that the lack of investment in England’s ageing school buildings has created an “enormous” equality gap, leaving children in dilapidated schools facing insurmountable challenges. With almost 729,000 pupils studying in schools in need of major rebuilding or refurbishment, and an additional 847,000 in poor building conditions, the situation is dire.
A Personal Story of Neglect
Take for example the case of Sacred Heart Catholic primary school in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, where children were evacuated due to a dangerously rotten floor. Two years later, these students are still without a permanent school, being taught on corridors – a situation described by Cottrell-Boyce as writing off an entire generation.
The Call for Action
The consequences of neglecting school buildings go beyond just physical structures – it sends a clear message to children that they are not important. Cottrell-Boyce warns that this lack of care can lead to long-lasting damage and a sense of abandonment among the youth.
As the UK government faces scrutiny over the state of school buildings, it is crucial to address the urgent need for investment in education infrastructure. While the Department for Education has pledged to increase funding for school buildings, the reality for many students remains bleak. It’s time to prioritize the well-being and future of the next generation by ensuring they have safe and conducive environments to learn and grow.