Work in Progress - Schools' Estate

This study aims to assess the current state of Northern Ireland's schools' estate, scrutinise maintenance practices, and examine the allocation of resources for cost-effectiveness. The report will explore whether the estate management process ensures a fit-for-purpose estate, conducive to safe and effective teaching and learning.

There are a total of 1,121 schools and pre-school education centres in Northern Ireland, across all management types (excluding preparatory departments), serving some 356,000 pupils. The schools vary in size, location, age, and condition, and have different levels of demand and capacity.

Key issues under examination include estate and investment strategies, asset management plans, condition surveys, sufficiency of data, maintenance backlog, and any risks associated with both Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) and the Department’s ability to meet Net Zero requirements for the estate.

Addressing these issues could lead to enhanced governance, improved maintenance, efficient data management, backlog reduction, risk mitigation, and a commitment to sustainability. The findings and recommendations of the study should improve the Department’s ability to maintain a safe, efficient, and education-focused schools' estate in Northern Ireland.

This report is expected to publish Autumn 2024.