BSF is a government-funded initiative to replace or refurbish every secondary school in the country. The national programme was launched in 2004 and aims to raise standards by ensuring that every secondary school has 21st century facilities within the next 15 years. It is the biggest investment in schools for more than a century, making it a key part of government’s plans for education reform. The investment will go into better buildings and improved ICT facilities. This will create an environment where young people can fulfill their potential and enable staff to use their skills to the best effect.

Building Schools for the Future (BSF) is a national programme which aims to bring all secondary schools up to new standards by creating 21st century learning environments. This will be achieved through significant investment in school buildings as well as Information and Communications Technology.

Local authorities will be involved in the BSF programme at different times and it has been confirmed that Derby City Council joined the programme in September 2007. As local authorities plan their BSF strategies, some of the things they will be seeking to ensure are:

• high quality teaching and learning for all
• increased diversity of provision to meet parental choice and secure improved educational outcomes for all young people
• extensive local collaboration and parental involvement
• strategic objectives – for example, school organisation, diversity of provision, providing choice and fair access
• targets for school improvement.

Consultation with local people and stakeholders will be an important part of delivering the BSF programme.
If you would like more information on the national BSF programme, including the requirements of the Strategy for Change document, please use this external link: Partnerships for Schools Website