The UK's Department for Education (DfE) and its arms-length body LocatED have selected delivery partners to oversee decarbonisation efforts across three nationwide groups of 47 schools and colleges under the GB Energy Solar Partnerships programme.
LocatED has appointed Mace, Barker, and AECOM to deliver the project, with the selection of schools for the next phase already in progress.
The initiative will cover 141 schools and colleges in three lots during 2025-26, advancing the government’s goal of making Britain a clean energy superpower while removing barriers to opportunity.
This programme forms part of Great British Energy's £200m ($272m) investment aimed at installing solar panels on around 200 schools and 200 National Health Service (NHS) sites throughout the UK.
Estimates indicate that an average school could potentially save up to £25,000 annually on energy costs because of these measures.
Alongside the installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, schools will benefit from a range of initiatives aimed at reducing energy consumption, lowering bills, and decreasing carbon emissions.
This comprises a behaviour change programme designed to empower the entire school community to make a positive difference, as well as the optimisation of existing controls to further reduce energy usage.
LocatED chief executive Lara Newman said: “This appointment marks a significant milestone in our efforts to help the education sector reach net zero. By combining our understanding of the commercial property market with our commitment to creating value for the education sector, we are protecting taxpayer interests while delivering meaningful environmental impact.”
The delivery partners will begin work immediately, with initial school installations expected by late 2025.
The project prioritises schools in deprived areas of England such as the North East, West Midlands, and North West, aiming to target at least ten schools per region this financial year.
Additionally, education colleges in each cluster will collaborate with the appointed contractors to promote renewable energy careers.
This initiative aims to enhance the workforce in both the construction and renewable sectors by providing work placements, skills bootcamps, and workshops.
This May, DfE contracted McLaren Construction to develop a new Boxing Academy in Clapton, which will be tailored for young students needing alternatives to mainstream education.
