CABE has concluded that the new measure is needed after a year of running a schools design panel supported by the Government. The panel was set up in July 2007 to help local authorities make the best choices for their BSF schools. The scores by an expert team using 10 published criteria indicate that designs seen so far (to June 2008) are not yet good enough to support educational transformation.

Transformation is the aim of the £45bn Government BSF programme that will see England’s 3,500 secondary schools rebuilt or renewed.

Of the 24 schemes that are now at planning application stage, or where a single design has been chosen, three have been rated ‘good’ or ‘excellent’ and 21 either ‘not yet good enough’ or ‘mediocre’.

CABE chief executive Richard Simmons said: ‘What we need is a design threshold which will prevent bad schemes from continuing through the system. This would provide a very clear signal that good design is a core requirement of BSF, not an optional extra. It should not be acceptable for public money to be used to procure poorly designed schools.’

Some of the problems are very basic, such as orientating the buildings well. Poor site planning often results from trying to build around old buildings instead of clearing the site.

School grounds are too often dominated by car access and parking, even though almost all pupils arrive on foot.

Very few designs are being driven by sustainability, such as making the most of natural light. Many designs are not adaptable to changing technology, or flexible in layout.

The best designs are getting it right, with plenty of natural light and ventilation; lively and stimulating spaces for learning; generous, atriums and pleasant spaces for pupils to dine and relax; toilets designed to deter bullying; and easy routes to move quickly around the school.

CABE does expect to the situation to improve: schemes seen so far are from early BSF waves before the panel began its work and before support and guidance to BSF local authorities was strengthened.

More ‘good’ and ‘excellent’ schemes are already coming through and most of the schemes coming back to the panel for a second review have significantly improved. Bidders are clearly listening to the panel’s advice. And local authorities are becoming more demanding clients, with new BSF schools such as Bristol Brunel Academy and the Michael Tippett School in Lambeth raising aspirations.

All sample schemes from Wave 4 onwards will be reviewed by the panel. So problems will be identified early on, allowing time for improvements well before planning applications are made.

But a clear benchmark, below which a design will not be allowed to go forward, is needed now.