School 
Design Guidance Cost Issues
The bulk of schools capital funding is allocated by formula to authorities and schools so that they can address their local priorities. Where allocations are for specific projects, funding is according to guidance for the relevant programme. Details of Building Schools for the Future funding levels are available on the Partnerships for Schools website.
Cost Multipliers are costs per pupil for the construction of accommodation to provide for additional pupil places. The Multipliers are compiled to inform Basic Need funding allocations. It is likely that the Multipliers will in future be updated every two or three years, to suit the allocation process. The process does not require updating of the Multipliers for 2007-8.
The 2006-7 Multipliers, based on pricing levels at Q4 2006, are as follows:
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Primary — £10 372
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Secondary — £15 848
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Post-16 — £17 013
The 2008-9 Multipliers, based on projected pricing levels at Q4 2008, are as follows:
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Primary — £12 257
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Secondary — £18 469
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Post-16 — £20 030
These Multipliers are the averages of Multipliers for new schools and extensions to existing schools, weighted to reflect the national balance of such projects.
Each Multiplier has an area-per-place factor, derived from the BB98 or BB99 area standards. This is multiplied by a cost-per-m² factor. Allowances are added for external works, furniture and equipment and professional fees. The Multipliers exclude ICT equipment, site abnormals, site acquisition costs, VAT and the effect of regional variations in prices.
Download the Department's location factors, used in funding calculations and updated in November 2007.
Last updated: 08 January 2008
