UK Plans Complete Dangerous Concrete Removal From All Schools By Parliament End

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has pledged that all schools in England currently affected by dangerous reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac) will be free of it by the end of this parliament. So far, Raac has been permanently removed from 62 schools and colleges, with 108 schools having received government grants to remove the concrete, and another 123 schools included in the School Rebuilding Programme for major rebuilding and refurbishment. The government aims to ensure that all schools not earmarked for rebuilding will be Raac-free within the parliamentary term, while all marked for rebuilding will be in delivery phases. This initiative aims to provide safe, high-quality classrooms for children, addressing not just infrastructure but also children's educational outcomes and futures. The Raac crisis previously caused school closures and disruptions, including delayed term starts and remote learning, highlighting the urgency of permanent solutions. Phillipson emphasized that the government is committed to reversing years of neglect and ensuring that no child learns in unsafe or deteriorating school buildings.