Derby City Council has begun planning for the end of the long-term Private Finance Initiative (PFI) contract that covers five city schools and one Children’s Centre, to ensure services continue smoothly when the contract expires on 31 December 2031. 

The Derby Grouped Schools PFI contract, signed in 2004, funded the building of new schools for our children and young people, including the provision of a full range of facilities management services – including cleaning, maintenance, security and energy management – across the sites for 25 years. 

The schools and centre covered by the contract are: 

  • Alvaston Moor Academy 
  • Cottons Farm Primary Academy 
  • Da Vinci Academy 
  • Hardwick Primary School 
  • Lakeside Primary Academy 
  • Alvaston Children’s Centre 

Although Derby City Council remains the contracting body, all five schools are now part of Multi-Academy Trusts. This means that when the contract ends, the school buildings and facilities management services will transfer to the relevant Multi Academy Trusts, while Alvaston Children’s Centre will return to the Council. 

Because PFI contracts are complex and long term, the Government recommends councils begin planning for expiry at least five years before the end date. Derby City Council is now putting in place the governance, specialist advice and resources needed to manage the process and keep services running smoothly. Cabinet members will be updated on the process at their meeting on 1 July. 

Councillor Paul Hezelgrave, Derby City Council Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Skills, said: 

We are planning ahead to make sure that when this PFI contract comes to an end, the transition is smooth and well organised. 

Thousands of children in Derby learn in buildings delivered through this contract, and it is essential that their education is not disrupted. By starting early, working closely with schools and trusts, and bringing in the right specialist advice, we are making sure services continue seamlessly and that these buildings are in the right condition for the next stage of their life.