School buildings are essential for providing the right environment that supports good teaching and learning, and it’s important to ensure school estates are managed effectively.

The DfE have recently published the estate management competency framework. This is an important addition to existing support for schools and responsible bodies, to help them meet their responsibilities to keep schools safe and well-maintained, and manage their estates effectively in line with good estate management for schools (GEMS).

The competency framework sets out the skills, knowledge and expertise required to manage school estates well. It recognises various levels of responsibility, from operational tasks to strategic planning and leadership, taking account the range experience and technical expertise across the sector. 

This has been developed in close partnership with the sector – schools and responsible bodies, professional bodies, construction industry experts and others. The DfE value the insights and feedback from users, and will continue to work closely with key stakeholders and sector representatives as we develop our offer to support good estate management in schools.