A dynamic student population is forcing a rethink of school facilities, which are responding to new needs with more flexible, innovative designs.
There is strong evidence that high-quality education facilities enable better teaching, improve student outcomes and reduce dropout rates.37 It is crucial that school facilities and assets have the appropriate quality and functionality, are suitable for contemporary learning and meet the educational needs and culture of each community.
The 2019 Audit found that many Australian schools are ageing and there are schools in Fast-growing Cities, particularly in inner areas, currently accommodating more students than their stated capacity.38 In at least one jurisdiction, some facilities have not been adequately maintained.39
Robust and consistent asset management systems can provide high-quality data and information, which in turn can enable improved investment decisions. State and territory education departments should continue to develop their state asset registers to address maintenance and refurbishment planning, and extend the life of assets where possible.
To assist in evidence-based decision-making on future infrastructure investment, states and territories should continue their work on evaluating the performance of facilities, including the contribution of facilities to student and teacher performance and wellbeing. Best-practice methodologies (such as a Value Rating Tool40), which link maintenance and renewal funding to value-for-money infrastructure, can be effectively used to guide and support investment decisions.
Over time, governments should explore opportunities to provide greater transparency to school communities about the use of facilities. This could enable more meaningful engagement about the nature and quality of facilities, and the delivery of school education in local areas. This information could also assist in building relationships with community groups who may be able to access such facilities.
All schools should develop medium- to long-term asset management plans, which take maintenance into consideration and are linked to funding arrangements, to maximise the useful life of their assets. See more in the Industry productivity and innovation chapter.