The contractors have been appointed under the DfE’s Construction Framework to take the schemes through early supplier involvement ahead of agreeing final design and build contracts.

The £89m combined figure is based on the DfE’s early-stage broad estimates, prior to designs being drawn up.

Tilbury Douglas has landed the biggest job, valued at up to £50m, covering Bishop Walsh Catholic School in Sutton Coldfield, which is programmed to open in 2031.

McLaren Construction has secured the £20m St James Daisy Hill Church of England Primary School project in Bolton, while Willmott Dixon has chalked up the £19m Merrylands Primary School project in Basildon.

This planned 420-place Essex primary school and nursery will serve the Dry Street housing development at Nethermayne.

Both the primary school projects are scheduled to open in Spring 2030.