New plans to remove problem concrete
On 8 February, the Government announced plans to rebuild or repair more than 100 school buildings in England that contain a type of concrete.
Are many schools affected?
In August 2023, more than 100 schools in England were told to close buildings that contained a material called reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC). This is cheaper than normal concrete and it was used in lots of new buildings from the 1950s to the 1990s. However, it only remains fully safe for around 30 years. A total of 234 schools and colleges in England were found to have buildings that contained RAAC. This led to some schools closing and pupils having to do lessons from home. Schools are back to face-to-face teaching now, but lots of pupils are being taught in portable classrooms or marquees (large tents).
What has been announced?
The Government has announced a programme to rebuild or repair buildings at 119 schools that have RAAC. Another 110 schools will be given money to remove RAAC from their buildings and replace it with new materials. Five schools have other plans in place, such as using other buildings instead of the ones with RAAC.
What was the response?
The National Education Union (NEU), a group that represents teachers, welcomed the announcement. However, the Government has not provided new funds to pay for the rebuilding and repairs, so the cost will come from money already set aside for schools. The NEU said this could mean other schools that don’t have RAAC will have to wait longer for repairs.
A recent report said that pupils affected by RAAC should be given special consideration because their learning has been disrupted. One pupil said, “I am worried that my results would not be as good because we have not learned things properly.” The Government’s Education Secretary Gillian Keegan said, “We will work closely with schools as we take the next step to remove RAAC from affected buildings.”