Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson is set to announce a commitment today to eradicate deteriorating concrete from all educational institutions by the upcoming election. Despite the detection of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) in schools across England two years ago, numerous students continue to study in these compromised structures.
In 2023, revelations by the Mirror disclosed that approximately 100 educational facilities were warned to shut down affected buildings immediately unless safety measures were implemented at the start of the autumn term. Following three roof collapses in 2023 attributed to the hazardous material, the Government allocated funding for its removal.
Although efforts are underway to eliminate the problematic material from schools, progress remains ongoing. Phillipson emphasized in the Mirror that every child, regardless of location, should have equal educational opportunities. She highlighted the urgent need to rectify the deteriorating conditions in many schools, criticizing the current state as a reflection of the previous administration’s education policies.
Phillipson outlined the plan to ensure that by the end of the current parliamentary term, all schools and colleges in England not undergoing substantial reconstruction will be free of RAAC. Additionally, projects for schools requiring reconstruction will be in various stages of implementation.
The Secretary stressed the importance of providing students with inspiring and safe learning environments, advocating for a government that prioritizes investing in quality educational infrastructure. Out of approximately 22,000 schools and colleges in England, 237 were identified to have crumbling concrete, with 62 having already undergone permanent removal of RAAC.
The Department for Education confirmed today that progress has been made in addressing the issue, reflecting a step towards fulfilling the commitment to safeguarding students’ learning environments.