Architect Hunter & Partners has launched a service to help head teachers manage construction work in schools.
The service, called Architects for Education, offers schools design expertise, project management, technical consulting, cost control and health and safety advice.

The move is a response to the government's decision to give head teachers responsibility for capital development and refurbishment of their facilities under the devolved formula capital grant package.

Hunter & Partners says it can take charge of the construction process as well as ensuring that schools receive value for money.

The architect has also produced a guide for schools unfamiliar with the process of building procurement. It gives head teachers a step-by-step method of tackling problems and advises on the actions necessary to ensure a project's completion.

  • London mayor Ken Livingstone last week dropped his opposition to the £22m City Academy, a 1200-pupil school in Bermondsey, south-east London, planned by Southwark council and the Corporation of London. Architect Studio E was picked to design the scheme earlier this month.