The Scottish Government

This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007

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Schools to share extra £60 million

27/11/2006

Schools are set to share an additional £60 million as part of the Executive's ongoing programme of school improvements.

An extra £40 million has been made available to spend on educational resources - everything from books and musical instruments to CD roms, interactive whiteboards and computers.

Another £20 million is for building improvements, targeted at areas such as staff bases, pupil toilets and playgrounds.

See the breakdown by local authority below

Materials and equipment

Improvements

At Greenfaulds High School in Cumbernauld, Education Minister Hugh Henry said:

"It's often the small thing that makes a big difference and that's what I want this cash to deliver. In our drive to make every school an excellent school, this £60 million boost demonstrates our continuing determination to modernise schools across Scotland, creating an environment that supports and enhances learning.

"Upgrading sometimes neglected areas like pupil toilets, staff bases and playgrounds will make a world of difference to the comfort of both staff and pupils, and I want to see real improvement in these areas.

"I also hope that the additional funds for education resources, all of which must be devolved to schools on top of existing budgets, will allow headteachers to make their wish lists a reality. Every school's requirements will be different - some will want interactive whiteboards or computers, others may want more IT software, musical instruments, sports kit or play equipment. This money must go to schools.

"For me and my colleagues, sustaining and further developing the best education system in the world is our ambition. We have already invested billions of pounds in building, refurbishing and improving schools and providing modern equipment for classrooms. This significant extra cash for headteachers will support teachers and help strengthen learning opportunities for pupils across Scotland, confirming our priority of putting education first."

• The £40 million of current expenditure for schools will be allocated to councils broadly in accordance with each authority's share of the pupil population, subject to conditions that it will all be devolved to schools; that all schools will benefit and that it will be additional to existing school budgets.
• The £20 million will be added to the Schools Fund capital grant which councils use for the maintenance and refurbishment of school buildings. Councils will decide which schools will benefit from this additional funding, targeting those schools where further work is required. The money is on top of the £131.35 million already available for 2006/07.

SCHOOLS FUND

SECOND REVISED CAPITAL GRANT DISTRIBUTION - 2006-07

ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL RESOURCES FOR SCHOOLS - 2006-07

EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS & EQUIPMENT

DISTRIBUTION TO AUTHORITIES