The Fresh Start programme, also known as the Fresh Start scheme, is an educational initiative in England, Wales and Northern Ireland introduced by the first Blair government in 1998. The programme aims to improve underperforming schools in inner cities by reopening them with renovated buildings and new names, curricula, staff and leadership (a "fresh start"). These schools, known as Fresh Start schools, benefit from an additional £400,000 every two years and have further financial support from their local education authorities.