The Real Cost of Neglect: Tim Warneford Calls for Urgent Action on School Repairs
A new Schools Week investigation has uncovered what many in the education sector already feared: the cost of repairing England’s school estate could far exceed the £13.8 billion figure officially acknowledged by the Department for Education (DfE).
Among the voices drawing attention to the stark realities behind the headlines is academy funding consultant Tim Warneford, who has long advocated for greater transparency and investment in school estates. His latest comments serve as a wake-up call for both government and stakeholders alike.
“Schools are vying for a shrinking pot amid a sinking tide of dilapidation,” said Warneford, underscoring the acute pressure that school leaders face in accessing capital funding.
Despite a 19% uplift in the school condition allocation this year—bringing the total to just under £1.4 billion—Warneford warns that this increase is still insufficient to address the backlog of critical repairs, let alone future-proof our schools.
“Given the political capital Labour has made out of the previous administration’s lack of investment, is this a figure that genuinely addresses this? Frankly, the answer is no.”
While the spotlight has recently been on RAAC (reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete), Warneford cautions against focusing too narrowly. The risk to school operations goes well beyond crumbling concrete.
“The condition threats do not stop at RAAC,” he said. “There is a significant risk around electrical infrastructure and boilers – things that can stop a school opening.”
With general elections looming and education expected to be a key campaign issue, Warneford’s critique adds to the growing chorus demanding a more robust, long-term strategy for school capital investment.
At Warneford Consulting, we continue to support schools and trusts in navigating funding challenges, helping them not only access capital but also plan strategically for sustainable estate management.
Want to know more about how your trust can build a resilient estate strategy? Get in touch or explore our latest resources.
