Synergy News & Blog: News
New School Estate Management Standards Released
Strategically Managing Educational Infrastructure for a Better Future.
On April 23rd, 2025, the Department for Education issued new standards for school estate management. These extensive guidelines provide a structured framework to assist schools in effectively developing the management, maintenance, and operation of their estates.
A Pathway to Excellence
These standards consist of two key elements
- Estate management competency framework (already published in June 2023) which sets out the skills and qualifications required of school estate managers; and
- School estate management standards – estate management practices and processes released 23rd April 2025.
These standards encompass best practices in managing school estates, which include both land and buildings. The standards were formulated through collaboration with academic institutions and other industry experts, and they are consistent with established recommendations and guidelines.
There are four levels of these estate management standards. These are designed to assist schools in understanding on where to begin, how to make progress and set priorities, and how to effectively utilise expert advice. They aim to support the ongoing development of secure, resilient, and sustainable educational facilities for students and staff.
Schools should initiate their development at Level 1 and progressively advance to Level 3. Additionally, institutions have the option to pursue Level 4 should it correspond with their strategic objectives.
Below is a summary of the four levels, with detailed descriptions of each area and recommended activities available in the DfE guidance documentation. Please see link here School estate management standards – GOV.UK
Unlocking Support for Your School
In conclusion, the new school estate management standards represent a more strategic and proactive approach to the management and maintenance of educational facilities.
Synergy’s team can assist schools in navigating through the estate management standards by the provision of expert consultation and tailored support. Services we can offer to help include:
- Support schools to develop a clear plan to progress from Level 1 to Level 3, with specific milestones and objectives.
- Provide expert guidance on how to reach Level 4, whilst aligning with the school’s strategic goals and enhancing overall estate management effectiveness.
- Provide education and training to build competency among school staff and estate managers.
- Offer practical advice and solutions tailored to the unique needs of each school.
By partnering with Synergy, schools can ensure that their estate management processes are optimised and progressed to an appropriate standard, leading to well-maintained facilities that support educational excellence.
