The government’s review into school building is to focus on standardisation when it reports its interim findings this month.

It is understood that the review team, led by Sebastian James of DSG International, has been examining ways in which exemplar whole school designs could be used, as well as standardised designs for classrooms and toilet blocks. The government also wants to rationalise the design guidance documents issued to schools.

The panel is looking at ways of prioritising schools projects based on current building condition, and how to address the pressure on primary school places. However, it is thought that the panel, which will release its final report at the end of the year, will not reach detailed decisions on procurement in the interim study.