County in £200m schools PFI deal

One of the biggest private finance initiative (PFI) deals in British education has been signed.

Northamptonshire County Council and the Babcock and Brown Consortium are to collaborate on a £200m building programme at 41 schools.

The council was awarded £116m from the government for the plans.

Five secondary schools and six new primary schools will be built in Northampton, with refurbishment taking place at 30 more.

January start

Cabinet member for children and young people Joan Kirkbride said: "This contract will see a transformation of schools in the town.

"We must now look forward to work starting very early in the new year so pupils throughout the town can begin to enjoy and benefit from the new facilities."

Construction company Galliford Try will carry out construction work due to start in January.

The contract also provides 32 years of facilities management services for schools from Amey.

They will maintain buildings, provide cleaning services, caretaking, grounds maintenance and security.