Education Secretary Michael Gove has brought the Building Schools for the Future (BSF) scheme to an end, canceling the rebuilding and refurbishment of nearly 700 schools with immediate effect.

Speaking in the House of Commons, Michael Gove said "in the light of the public finances, it would have been impossible to carry on regardless with an inflexible and needlessly complex programme"

The move means that 58 BSF projects, covering nearly 700 schools will be cancelled, while 44 existing projects, which had reached financial close would be allowed to continue.

"It is often forgotten that schools are workplaces and even modest sums of money to help update a school can make a huge difference to the lives and daily experience of pupils and teachers. Managing the wellbeing of the teaching workforce in schools can substantially reduce the cost of sickness absence and ill-health retirement, as well as improve the quality of learning" commented Julian Stanley, Chief Executive of Teacher Support Network. "New schools can take into account the contemporary needs of teachers and pupils at an early stage and can give full regard to the delivery of the curriculum (especially ICT). Good school design has also been shown to assist in minimizing disruptive behaviour. More money could be saved in the long term simply by improving teacher wellbeing."

Julian added that modern, well-equipped schools were vital for the future.

"Teacher Support Network now hopes that resources will be found in the years ahead to ensure that modern and well equipped schools continue to be commissioned in order to replace those school buildings that need updating across the country - particularly in the primary sector. It is not only sensible, but it is in the interests of all to ensure that our schools are bright, well equipped and exciting learning spaces so they can be effective in meeting the needs of the communities they serve."

• Building schools for the future
• School environment