Andorra Launches School Renovations in Santa Coloma and Sant Julià

The Andorran government has launched a tender this week for renovation and improvement works at the schools in Santa Coloma and Sant Julià de Lòria. The Sant Julià centre, among the country's oldest, faces a major overhaul next year and in 2028, Josep Anton Bardina, Secretary of State for Education and Universities, confirmed.

Bardina called the project a necessary and long-demanded "total facelift." Despite years of maintenance and partial upgrades, the expansive site with three buildings now requires full renewal. Works will span two years, with student relocations needed during construction. He positioned it as a key element of the 2027-2028 infrastructure plans.

The government has also budgeted €1.5 million for next year to build a university residence. Bardina said it would help draw students from abroad by addressing accommodation shortages, strengthening the university campus's profile and identity.

The 2027 schools budget includes funding for upgrades at French-language centres, in line with the agreement with France.

On adapting schools to rising heat, Bardina dismissed suggestions to change the academic calendar. Impacts differ by site and structure, he noted, pointing to the Andorran-Spanish school in Escaldes-Engordany as especially vulnerable. Its glass-heavy design and sun exposure persisted as issues despite past energy-efficiency improvements, reflecting outdated construction standards.

Officials plan a detailed review this year to prioritise effective measures, from short-term additions like fans to structural changes. Bardina cautioned against blanket solutions, such as fans everywhere or full air conditioning. Data collection has begun to map vulnerable areas—needing little intervention in cooler Pas de la Casa but more in the central valley.