English Heritage fears the Government\'s Building Schools for the Future initiative could result in historic schools being redeveloped or, in extreme cases, even demolished.

In response, English Heritage has published a new policy document entitled The Future of Historic School Buildings. Supported by the Department for Education it sets out English Heritage\'s approach to safeguarding the most important aspects of historic schools while still enabling change.

English Heritage says it recognises the need for change and investment to enable the use of new information technology in the classroom, for example, or to create multipurpose learning spaces. But it is urging local councils to ensure the value of their historic schools is fully understood before taking decisions affecting their future.

Tim Brennan, English Heritage policy officer, said: "Historic schools can often be the most prominent building in a community after the parish churchÖ In many places, their architectural style makes an important contribution to local character and identity, while many continue to play a central community role through secondary uses such as life-long learning activities."

English Heritage favours repair, refurbishment and re-use as a school rather than direct replacement. If the school cannot be adapted to modern educational use, English Heritage will normally favour conversion to re-use, possibly as offices or flats. Demolition should always be a last resort, it says.

The Future of Historic School Buildings forms part of a series of guidance notes and position statements produced as part of English Heritage\'s HELM project, which is intended to help local authorities reach better decisions in relation to the historic environment.

For a free copy of The Future of Historic School Buildings, contact English Heritage Customer Services on 0870 333 1181.