The Private Finance Initiative (PFI) started in Enfield in 2000. It uses private money to design, build, finance, and run schools. Each PFI project lasts for 25 years.
Overview of 2 key PFI contracts
Highlands Secondary School
This was the first new secondary school in the country built using PFI. It opened on 1 September 2000 and will be handed back to the council on 31 August 2025.
Grouped schools PFI Project
This includes Lea Valley Academy, Starks Field Primary School, and Tottenhall Infants School. The project involved building new parts and fixing old parts of the Academy. The project also built a new Starks Field school, and completely rebuilt Tottenhall school. These schools opened in 2004 and will be handed back to the council in 2029.
Role of the council
The council's Education Resources and Strategic Partnerships Team manages these PFI projects. Their responsibilities include:
- making sure schools run well according to the contract's standards
- helping the smooth return of schools to council ownership by working with financial, legal, and property services, and central government departments
- keeping school buildings and facilities in good condition to support a good learning environment for students
Who to contact
For general enquiries, email esrp@enfield.gov.uk.