Estates Strategy

Our Estates Vision

BDAT pupils, staff and visitors will benefit from:

  • Safe, warm, well‑lit, and modern environments
  • Buildings that are well maintained and compliant with statutory requirements
  • Energy‑efficient, low‑carbon infrastructure aligned with our Climate Action Plan
  • Inclusive, adaptable spaces designed for modern teaching and learning
  • A trust‑wide approach to sustainability, digital readiness, and environmental responsibility

This vision aligns directly with BDAT’s mission to ensure every child receives a happy and high‑quality education in a supportive learning environment.

Strategic Aims

Our strategic aims provide the framework for trust‑wide estates development and align strongly with our climate and sustainability commitments. BDAT will:

  1. Maintain a Safe and Compliant Estate

Ensure all buildings meet statutory compliance, including fire safety, asbestos management, and accessibility, informed by robust condition surveys and risk assessments.

  1. Deliver a Long‑Term, Evidence‑Led Investment Plan

Operate a 10‑year capital investment plan which identifies priorities for condition, compliance, capacity and modernisation across all schools.

  1. Support Net Zero and Environmental Improvement

Embed sustainability into all building investments, consistent with BDAT’s Climate Action Strategy and the DfE 2023 Sustainability Output Specification (Annex 2J).

  1. Improve Efficiency and Achieve Best Value

Standardise materials, use trusted suppliers/DfE approved procurement frameworks, and design projects to reduce long‑term maintenance costs and environmental impact.

  1. Modernise the Estate to Improve Teaching and Learning

Upgrade classrooms, staff areas, digital infrastructure, heating and lighting to ensure buildings meet the needs of 21st‑century learners.

Managing Our Estate

Our Head of Estates works collaboratively with schools to ensure effective estate management, including:

  • Oversight of statutory maintenance
  • Support for capital projects
  • Assurance of CDM compliance
  • Digital estate management using a trust‑wide compliance system
  • Training, CPD and support for site teams and Academy Business Leaders

A tailored asset management plan is maintained for each Academy to reflect its needs, priorities and condition.

Governance

The BDAT Board retains overall oversight of the estate, with delegated responsibility to the Finance, Audit and Resources Committee (FARC), which:

  • Approves the Estates Strategy
  • Reviews the 10‑Year Building Management Plan annually
  • Allocates SCA funding and monitors effectiveness
  • Ensures compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements

Local Governing Bodies and Academy Business Leaders play a key role in identifying needs, supporting project delivery and maintaining safe, effective facilities.

To read the full Estates Vision and Strategy please click here.

To read the SCA Policy click here.