The BSF programme is the biggest government investment in improving school buildings for over 50 years. The aim is to rebuild or renew every secondary school in England over a 10-15 year period. Bradford has made great strides in improving its education performance in recent years, but one of its key challenges is the unsuitability of many of its current buildings for 21st century curriculum demands. BSF provided the opportunity to make that investment with a £400 million 3 Phase programme in Bradford. Bradford Council has partnered with Integrated Bradford, a consortium of sub-contractors, to implement the programme.
Latest News:
Bradford's £400m Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme continues to move forward after the opening of the three Phase One schools in September 2008.
Both Titus Salt School and Tong School were judged as two of the top six new secondary schools nationally by the Times Educational Supplement (TES), the only schools in the north of England to be nominated.
The second phase of the BSF programme is progressing well with contractors on site at Hanson, Beckfoot, Greenhead and Grange Technology College.
The Final Business Case for Phase Two has been submitted to Government and we expect to reach financial close in July 2009.
Phase Three is also underway, Government has agreed two of the stages towards this and our outline business case was sent to Government at the end of June
Over 80 pupils from Phase 3 schools took part in a special workshop in London to come up with creative ideas for their new school buildings. On 6th July, pupils attended an event in Bradford present their top 3 design features. Bradford Council have now passed these briefs onto the architects for inclusion in the new school designs. For more information, see the Phase 3 page.
Improving Education Facilities
BSF is one part of a number of dramatic initiatives which will transform education, including federations, specialist schools, the extended school and moves to improve health and activity. However, modern and well designed buildings are needed to bring about these changes. Designs features can include more welcoming entrances, wider corridors, more use of natural light, creation of ‘social spaces’ and more imaginative use of colour.
Information and Communications Technology (ICT) is also a key factor and the new schools will employ state of the art ICT facilities which will facilitate a fundamental change in the way in which teaching and learning happens.
Please note that further details of BSF are also displayed on the Integrated Bradford Website: www.integratededucation.co.uk
For more information please contact the BSF Team on 01274 437777.
