An average of 23 new schools have been opened each year since Labour came to power.
This compares to just seven new schools opened in 1996, the last year the Conservatives were in office.
Ministers say spending on capital work has trebled since 1997 and is to rise by a further 50 per cent by 2003-4. They claim that between 2001-4, money will be available for up to 650 new buildings.
Most of the 126 new schools opened since 1997 have been primaries, with 27 secondaries.
The figures were released by junior minister John Healey in response to a question by Conservative MP Chris Grayling. They do not include new schools opened as a result of mergers or reorganisations or schools that were given a fresh start because they were judged to be failing.
Compiled by Jon Slater from Hansard PQs at www.parliament.uk
