Keeping our schools safe, warm and working
We’re investing more than £3million in essential repairs and improvements to school buildings right across Kirklees.
How we plan and prioritise the work
Every year, our teams identify the most urgent condition and safety works needed in our schools, and we work to make sure the work is done with minimal disruption, mostly during the six-week summer holidays.
What’s included in this year’s programme
This year’s programme includes:
- Replacing roofs that have reached the end of their life
- Rewiring schools and fitting modern LED lighting
- Installing new boilers and heating systems to replace ones that are 40–50 years old
- Fire safety improvements and structural repairs
- Physical adaptations so pupils with disabilities or medical needs can access their local school
Projects for 2026/27
More than 20 schools will benefit from the programme in 2026/27, with some of the biggest projects including major roofing works at Norristhorpe and Whitechapel, a new heat pump at Wilberlee, and a boiler replacement at Westborough High School.
Commitment to accessibility
We’ve also set aside £200,000 specifically for accessibility works, making sure our school buildings work for every child.
The selected projects have been assessed as high priority.
Funded through government grant
All of this is funded through a government grant from the Department for Education, so there’s no cost to council budgets.
Supporting our climate and sustainability goals
And there’s a green benefit too. The old roofs, boilers and wiring being replaced are being swapped for modern, energy-efficient alternatives, LED lighting, insulated roofing, efficient heating systems, all supporting our net-zero and climate-ready ambitions.
Next steps
Our Cabinet approved the programme on 24 March, and our teams are already working with schools to plan the works and keep disruption to an absolute minimum.
David Shepherd, Executive Director for Place, said:
“This annual investment programme is all about making sure children can learn in buildings that are safe, warm and fit for purpose. By targeting the most urgent condition issues, we’re making sure our schools can continue to serve pupils and families for years to come.
“We plan the majority of this work for the summer holidays so that children’s learning isn’t disrupted, and we work closely with each school to deliver improvements to the highest standard.”