School building programme gaining support

The first annual evaluation of Building Schools for the Future (BSF), carried out by PricewaterhouseCoopers, found that nine out of 10 heads believe BSF will improve the overall quality of teaching and learning.

Over three quarters said that it would broaden the curriculum; and over 60 per cent that it would improve behaviour.

But the report suggests communication between local authorities and schools needs to be improved if the programme is to succeed, and there needs to be better consultation with staff.

Only two fifths of headteachers (41 per cent) thought staff had been sufficiently consulted on their views.

Tim Byles, chief executive of Partnerships for Schools, welcomed the first survey.

He said: "We are pleased that the first independent annual evaluation report is already showing the green shoots of success.

"As with any project of this scale, we are continually learning lessons and refining our processes. This first evaluation will help us in this."

BSF evaluation