Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson is set to announce a commitment to removing deteriorating concrete from all schools and colleges before the upcoming election. Despite the discovery of hazardous reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) in educational facilities across England two years ago, many students are still studying in affected buildings.
In 2023, it was disclosed that approximately 100 educational settings were instructed to close affected structures unless safety precautions were implemented. Following three roof collapses caused by the material, the government allocated funds for its removal.
However, the process of eliminating the problematic material from schools is ongoing. Phillipson emphasized the importance of providing equal opportunities for all students, expressing concerns about the deteriorating conditions in schools built with unsafe concrete.
She outlined a plan to remove RAAC from every school and college in England not undergoing substantial reconstruction by the end of the current parliamentary term. Additionally, she highlighted that all rebuilding projects will be in progress for schools requiring reconstruction.
Phillipson stressed the significance of creating conducive learning environments for students, free from safety hazards and substandard conditions. The aim is to instill a sense of pride in students by offering well-maintained and safe classrooms.
Out of approximately 22,000 schools and colleges in England, 237 were identified to have crumbling concrete, with 62 already having the RAAC material permanently removed.
