INTRODUCTION
This document contains the results of the Scottish Government's collection of certain core facts about the school estate. This survey looks at the size, value, condition, capacity and running costs of the school estate. The collection took place in May 2008 and covered 2,166 primary schools or units, 377 secondary schools or units and 161 special schools or units. Response rates vary between questions.
This is the third time these statistics have been published, the previous times being in 2005 and 2007. The quality of the data has been improved with more complete data being received, work carried out on clearer definitions, and improved guidance being published on assigning the condition of the school. A simple comparison against the 2004/05 data is therefore often not valid.
The main findings of the survey are:
- The total gross internal floor area ( GIA) of all publicly funded schools in Scotland is estimated to be about eight million square metres. This gives an average of 1,800 square metres per primary school, 10,600 square metres per secondary school and 1,400 square metres per special school.
- The total area within the perimeter ( AWP) of the school estate is estimated to be about 51 million square metres (about 19 square miles). This gives an average of 12,400 square metres per primary school, 58,200 square metres per secondary school and 12,300 square metres per special school.
- There were 211 schools which shared a campus with one or more other schools, 188 schools had dedicated areas for community services, 60 schools were reported as having been built or refurbished under Public Private Partnership ( PPP) arrangements in the last financial year and 55 schools were reported as being rebuilt or substantially refurbished under other funding (Non- PPP) methods in the last financial year.
- 15 per cent of schools were given the overall building condition rating of A (good), 53 per cent were rated B (satisfactory), 26 per cent were rated C (poor) and 5 per cent were rated D (bad).
- In primary schools 14 per cent of schools were operating at 90 per cent or more capacity, while 60 per cent of schools were operating below 75 per cent capacity. In the secondary sector 35 per cent of schools were operating at 90 per cent or more capacity, with 31 per cent of schools below 75 per cent capacity. The average level of occupancy for primary and secondary schools has decreased from 75 per cent in 2004 to 73 per cent in 2007 and 70 per cent in 2008.
- Total capital expenditure was £386 million in 2006-07, of which 58 million of capital expenditure was reported to have been spent on maintenance. Revenue expenditure on repairs, alterations and maintenance was £80 million and PPP service payments amounted to £101 million. In some cases the PPP service payments include payments for cleaning, catering, janitorial services, grounds maintenance and security.