The NSW government will spend almost $150 million to upgrade high schools across the state if re-elected at the March election.

Education Minister Adrian Piccoli says $148 million will be injected into almost 60 secondary schools across NSW, if the Baird government wins the March 28 poll. “The upgrades will improve the schools’ amenity, enhance learning spaces and how they present to their local community,” Mr Piccoli announced in a statement.

“We know that a school’s appearance is important in how it is perceived by the community. This funding will go a long way to upgrading those schools that need it most.”

The minister said the money was in addition to a $1 billion pledge to provide up to 1,600 new or refurbished classrooms and learning spaces across NSW.

This includes building four new schools, and more support to improve teaching practices to create better engagement with parents and students.