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Frequently Asked Questions
 This page aims to answer general questions about the Building Schools for the Future programme. If we have not covered an area that is of particular interest then please do not hesitate to email our BSF Team bsf@somerset.gov.uk. Schools and bidders may also find our FAQ sub-sections useful.
- Will every Secondary School in Somerset be able to take advantage of the Building Schools for the Future programme?
- How did the local authority decide on which schools should benefit initially from this programme?
- Will any existing schools be closed?
- How will staff be affected?
- When will the building commence?
- Will all schools be constructed at the same time?
- What will happen to the students during the construction and demolition process?
- What does ‘21st century facilities’ mean?
- Will there be much disruption to the local community?
- What happens if the Council or Government change politically – will BSF be scrapped?
- Are Somerset primary schools included in BSF?
- Is post-16 education, such as AS levels, included in the BSF programme?
- Is there any alternative to BSF?
- Will extra sports facilities be created under the BSF programme, and will the community be able to use them?
- Will parents, staff, pupils and neighbours be involved in decisions relating to the location, design and features of the new schools?
- Will the needs of pupils with Special Educational Needs (SEN) or disabilities be catered for in the new school designs?
- Are there similar schools already built and in use?
1. Will every Secondary School in Somerset be able to take advantage of the Building Schools for the Future programme?
It is our intention to refurbish, remodel or rebuild every Secondary School in Somerset. This will depend on locally agreed plans and the BSF programme will be phased over the next 15 years.
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2. How did the local authority decide on which schools should benefit initially from this programme?
The priorities for the Authority are based on levels of deprivation and attainment, plus condition and suitability of existing buildings. Of the top four priority schools in the Authority, three are in Bridgwater.
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3. Will any existing schools be closed?
No plans are in place to close schools under this scheme
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4. How will staff be affected?
Teaching staff will not be affected in terms of their contract but there may be some transfer of employment of non-teaching staff to the contractor, under the TUPE (Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment)) regulations. This might include caretaking, cleaning and catering staff, and ICT technicians. Staff and unions will be consulted as soon as possible and will be kept informed throughout the process.
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5. When will the building commence?
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6. Will all schools be constructed at the same time?
We are aiming to have all six new schools open by September 2012.
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7. What will happen to the students during the construction and demolition process?
Disruption will be kept to a minimum. Students will continue to attend their existing schools, which will remain open until the new buildings are ready for occupation.
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8. What does ‘21st century facilities’ mean?
Despite the importance to successful education, many school buildings are of poor design, are dull and uniform and have an institutional look and feel. Somerset School building stock in many cases is inappropriate for the future delivery of education. To succeed in raising educational standards and improving attainment levels we need to examine how to make our existing schools better and ensure that new school buildings are well designed and built to be suitable to the needs of ALL learners in future years.
If schools are to provide excellent educational facilities for the next 20 to 30 years, designs for new school buildings and major adaptations need to take account of current and likely future developments in education and technology. Schools, Local Authorities and designers need to be aware of key drivers for change in schools, including the likely impact of a more diverse curriculum at 14 and above; new ways of learning and the impact of ICT; opening up the school to other pupils and the community as a whole, and with the inclusion of pupils with special educational needs into mainstream schools.
As new school buildings will serve their communities for many years to come so it is important that they are high quality, attractive buildings. Design quality encompasses a number of issues but should include sustainability, flexibility and adaptability, and value for money.
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9. Will there be much disruption to the local community?
It is impossible to guarantee absolutely no disruption to the community. However, we will carefully assess the track record of potential contractors to identify those who take great care not to disturb communities.
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10. What happens if the Council or Government change politically – will BSF be scrapped?
The BSF programme has the backing of all major political parties at present.
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11. Are Somerset primary schools included in BSF?
BSF is a secondary schools programme and primary schools are not included. This is because there are particular challenges to secondary schools to raise standards: improving teaching and learning for 11-14 year olds, developing a broader range of curriculum choices for 14-19 year olds and supporting greater specialisation and collaboration. The increasing focus on specialisms such as in technology, languages or science at secondary level requires specialist facilities.
However, although primary school buildings and facilities are generally in better condition, this does not mean that they will be overlooked. Details of a separate (although smaller) primary schools capital programme will be announced shortly by Government.
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12. Is post-16 education, such as AS levels, included in the BSF programme?
Funding for most post-16 education is provided by the Learning and Skills Council (LSC), but the Government has now decided to transfer this responsibility to local government. We shall be providing age 14-19 learning on our BSF sites. We are working with schools, colleges and other FE providers to set up a full range of opportunities throughout the Sedgemoor District, increasing both vocational and lifelong learning opportunities.
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13. Is there any alternative to BSF?
The traditional capital programme funded by Somerset County Council is still available, but it is very small in comparison to the investment opportunity that BSF offers for Somerset. In practice, therefore, traditional funding is more likely to be used in primary schools.
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14. Will extra sports facilities be created under the BSF programme, and will the community be able to use them?
Yes, BSF schools will include sports facilities which will in most cases be an improvement on what schools have now. For example, a large school hall will be provided, plus a sports hall and outdoor courts and/or grassed areas. Priority use of these facilities is for the school but the wider community will be encouraged to use them where appropriate. We are working with regional sports and culture groups to ensure we take opportunities to provide for a range of sports and leisure interests as part of the Extended Schools programme.
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15. Will parents, staff, pupils and neighbours be involved in decisions relating to the location, design and features of the new schools?
It is really important to us that staff, pupils, parents, the local community and other groups are involved in working with architects and Somerset County Council to ensure that the new school will meet their needs. Neighbours and local residents of any new school will be able to express their views on the siting of the school via the usual planning process.
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16. Will the needs of pupils with Special Educational Needs (SEN) or disabilities be catered for in the new school designs?
BSF is a real opportunity to improve accessibility and inclusion at our secondary schools. Any new build or refurbishment will have to comply with the latest legislation, and both Somerset County Council and central government policies.
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17. Are there similar schools already built and in use?
Yes, there are a number around the country. Any lessons that can be learnt by the experience of the schools in the new buildings can feed into the design and specification of BSF schools in Somerset. To this end the Somerset BSF team have already undertaken a number of site visits, both in the UK and Europe, and will continue to do so over the next few months. In turn, we expect our new schools to become exemplars for others to follow.
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