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School Estate Statistics 2007
12/07/2007
Statistics providing information on the size, condition and capacity of Scotland's school estate were published today.
The collection took place in April 2007 and covered 2,184 primary schools or units, 383 secondary schools or units and 163 special schools or units. Response rates vary between questions.
This is the second time these statistics have been published, the previous time being in June 2005. 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 of the 2004 and 2007 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, 10,300 square metres per secondary school and 1,100 square metres per special school
- The total area within the perimeter (AWP) of the school estate is estimated to be about 49 million square metres (about 19 square miles). This gives an average of 12,200 square metres per primary school, 55,300 square metres per secondary school and 9,900 square metres per special school. Although the total area is less than the published estimate in 2004, analysis suggests that this is due to an improved estimate from more complete data, rather than an overall decrease in total area
- There were 161 schools which shared a campus with one or more other schools, 243 schools had dedicated areas for community services and 117 schools were reported as having been built or refurbished under Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangements
- In accounting terms, the gross value of the school stock was £6.1 billion and the replacement stock value was £9.1 billion
- Fourteen per cent of schools were given the overall building condition rating of A (good). There were a further one per cent of schools which were new build but for which a condition rating was not reported. 48 per cent were rated B (satisfactory), 31 per cent were rated C (poor) and five per cent were rated D (bad). Improved guidance and methodology was issued on assigning condition ratings in 2007. This may, in some cases, affect comparisons between the 2004 and 2007 condition data
- In primary schools one in nine schools were operating above 90 per cent capacity, while almost two thirds of schools were operating below 75 per cent capacity. In the secondary sector a third of schools were operating above 90 per cent capacity, with a third 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
- Total revenue expenditure on repairs, alterations and maintenance was £97 million for 2005-06 and PPP service payments amounted to £95 million