School estate asset management
Who this information is for
This information is mainly for school leaders, governors, academy trusts and education professionals who are responsible for managing school buildings.
Members of the public may also find it helpful if they want to understand how Cheshire East Council assesses school buildings and oversees capital maintenance and improvement works.
How we manage school buildings
Local authorities are required to maintain up‑to‑date information about school premises where they are the responsible body for capital maintenance.
This includes information about:
- the condition of school buildings
- the sufficiency of school places across the borough
We use this information to support planning, prioritise investment and make sure school buildings remain safe, suitable and fit for purpose
Assessing school buildings and school places
We use recognised assessment methods to understand:
School condition
Condition assessments help us understand the physical state of school buildings, including safety, suitability and the need for maintenance or improvement works.
School net capacity
Net capacity assessments show how many pupils a school can safely and effectively accommodate. These are considered alongside pupil projections and housing development data to assess current and future demand for school places.
Further information on School Net Capacity
When schools manage their own building projects
If a school intends to self‑manage a capital project, rather than using a Cheshire East Council‑managed service, formal landlord consent must be obtained in advance.
This applies where a school plans to:
- procure consultants directly
- procure contractors directly
- manage construction activity on site
Requests for landlord consent should be sent to:
property@cheshireeast.gov.uk
All contracts must comply with Cheshire East Council’s Constitution and be appropriately endorsed by the Council’s Legal Services.
Schools considering managing their own construction projects must read the School Managed Guidance Document (PDF,2MB)
The guidance sets out:
- key requirements for construction on an operational school site
- the client’s duties under the CDM Regulations (Construction Design and Management Regulations)
Depending on the scale, complexity or value of a project, Cheshire East Council may introduce additional monitoring arrangements to ensure appropriate governance and due diligence.
Where a school manages a capital scheme itself, it remains the school’s responsibility to make sure written landlord approval has been granted before works begin.
Typical costs schools need to plan for
Where specific agreements are not already in place, capital projects should usually allow for the following indicative costs:
Professional fees
Around 15% of the cost of the works.
Statutory fees
Around 3% to cover planning permission and building regulations, where required.
Furniture, equipment and ICT
For example, loose furniture or interactive whiteboards. These costs should normally not exceed 10% of the project value.
Contingency
To allow for unforeseen issues, such as the removal of asbestos or unexpected ground conditions.
These allowances should be reviewed and adjusted based on the specific risks and requirements of each project.
Contact Property Projects team
The Property Projects team can provide professional support throughout the lifecycle of a project, including:
- early feasibility and design advice
- procurement of consultants and contractors
- project and construction management
- ensuring compliance with Cheshire East Council’s Constitution
This support helps schools deliver projects safely, compliantly and effectively from inception through to completion.
Contact school estate asset management
To discuss this service or associated fees contact Debra Wrench
Page last reviewed: 22 April 2026
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