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A recent report from MPs highlights that many school buildings across England remain old and fragile, despite considerable strides made in addressing an unsafe form of concrete that caused numerous school closures in 2023. This particular material, reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac), has been a significant concern due to its limited durability.
The government has committed to ensuring that by the end of the current parliamentary term in 2029, all schools will either be free of Raac or undergoing a rebuild. However, according to the cross-party education committee’s findings, the disruption caused by these building issues has adversely affected students’ learning experiences and overall wellbeing.
In response to these challenges, the government is introducing a comprehensive 10-year strategy aimed at revitalizing school and college infrastructure. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson described this initiative as a “turning point,” emphasizing that schools have long been forced to focus on patching deteriorating buildings rather than concentrating on delivering quality education. She remarked, “For too long, schools and colleges have been forced to patch and mend buildings that have already deteriorated – spending their time worrying about leaking roofs instead of focusing on what matters most: giving every child the best possible education.”
The MPs’ report drew attention to the historical use of Raac, a less expensive alternative to traditional concrete commonly employed between the 1950s and 1990s, but notable for its roughly 30-year lifespan. Despite progress, some schools remain closed partially, with pupils having to adapt to alternative learning spaces such as marquees or modular classrooms. The committee acknowledged the government’s efforts but noted persistent gaps in available data concerning the wider state of England’s school estates.
Financially, the government has earmarked £2.4 billion for the 2025/26 fiscal year to enhance school and college conditions. Helen Hayes, chair of the education committee, stressed the importance of this investment, stating, “While this may require a great deal of work to fix, the quality of school buildings has a significant impact on pupils’ learning and every child deserves to be taught in a safe, secure and fit for purpose school environment.”
The report also underscored the necessity of incorporating inclusivity in the refurbishment plans, particularly for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). As part of the government’s long-term agenda, it has been declared that all secondary schools will eventually feature dedicated “inclusion bases,” modern equivalents of SEND or pupil support units. This approach aims to provide tailored support away from the crowded classroom environment, aligning with broader objectives to expand SEND provisions within mainstream schools. These measures are anticipated to precede further reforms outlined in the upcoming schools white paper
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
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