Funding for the first wave of projects in the £1.25bn Scotland’s Schools for the Future programme was confirmed today and will see every local authority benefit.

The cash will go towards building 14 secondary schools, 20 primary schools and one special school.

Keith Brown, Minister for Skills and Lifelong Learning, said: “Today’s announcement will see a further 18,000 pupils and over 1,300 teachers move to fit-for-purpose, modern learning facilities that meets the needs of education in the 21st Century.

“The timescales agreed for the first tranche set out a way ahead that is affordable and realistic for both the Scottish Government and the councils, given the current economic climate.”

He added: “Of course, through councils own resources, they may be able to start procurement, design and – in some cases – building prior to Government funding coming on stream.

“Despite the prospect of a reduced budget from Westminster, our £1.25bn school building programme demonstrates our overwhelming commitment to our young people and to Scotland’s communities.”

Building work on the first projects will start this year. The first primary school should be be completed in 2011, with the first secondary school completed in 2013.

The Scottish Government is funding the construction of secondary schools on a 67:33 basis with local authorities, while primary school projects are on a 50:50 basis.

In total, the Scottish Government will contribute a £800m share of the £1.25bn earmarked for Scotland’s Schools for the Future.