OVER £25 million is to be spent during the next five years rebuilding and upgrading five of the Island’s schools.

Some of Jersey’s schools are still outdated and in urgent need of refurbishment, according to Education Minister Mike Vibert, who believes there is evidence to show that pupils taught in more modern and spacious environments perform better.

Work is already under way on St Peter’s Primary, for which £4.8m has been set aside, and it is anticipated to be finished next year.

A further £5.7m is to be spent in 2008 on Highlands, £3.9m on Mont à l’Abbé in 2009, £2.1m on St Martin’s Primary in 2010 and £8.8m in 2011 on Grainville.

The £25,452,000 spending has been outlined in the States Business Plan, which projects the States entire spend for next year and the projected spending up until 2011.

Senator Vibert said: ‘We are no longer building schools which will last 25 years.

All of these projects will be around for 50 years plus, as long as they are maintained properly.