The government has today announced it will invest £500 million in energy efficiency upgrades for schools across the UK.

The grants are expected to help schools and colleges across England to save on energy bills and reduce energy consumption this winter.

In May, a report by the Labour Party suggested that English schools could be paying an estimated £1 billion a year for energy they use.

Today’s announcement is in line with the latest government target to slash energy demand by 15% by 2030.

Education Secretary Gillian Keegan said: “Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine is driving up energy prices worldwide, so it is important to look at the things we can do to make classrooms more energy efficient and resilient to price fluctuations.

“We’re putting this cash in the hands of school and college leaders quickly, so they can decide what work is needed and so that our brilliant teachers can focus on teaching in a warm and safe environment.”