Recent research from the Department for Education (DfE) indicates that there are no widespread safety issues from systematic building methods in UK schools. During a session with the Education Select Committee, Dr Jonathan Dewsbury, the DfE”s director of education estates and net zero, shared these early findings, highlighting that the primary concern is the deterioration of school infrastructure due to inadequate maintenance.
DfE minister Josh MacAlister reassured committee members that no children are currently attending schools deemed unsafe. He acknowledged the risks involved for the department and its capital projects, stating, “We are putting in the money trying to manage it proactively.”
In response to the ongoing concerns related to reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac), the government has allocated £5 million for a study on the condition of school buildings, which is expected to conclude in spring 2026. Dr Dewsbury noted, “The early findings of that research are showing there are no systematic issues across the education estate from system builds.” He further emphasized that the lack of maintenance has contributed to the overall decline of the school estate, as evidenced by the published condition data.
During the committee meeting, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson stated that all schools containing Raac that are not scheduled for rebuilding should remove the deteriorating concrete by the end of the current parliamentary term. Schools designated for reconstruction under the Government”s School Rebuilding Programme should also see progress by that time.
So far, 62 of the 237 schools and colleges known to have Raac have permanently removed the hazardous material. Paul Whiteman, general secretary of the NAHT school leaders” union, acknowledged the advancements made but stressed the need for continued efforts, noting, “The issues with the school estate are not just about Raac. We hear of issues with leaking roofs, children learning in draughty portable cabins, and even school dinners being served in corridors.”
The government has earmarked £2.4 billion for the 2025/26 fiscal year to enhance the condition of school and college facilities. However, a previous report from the National Audit Office indicated that the DfE had estimated a need for £5.3 billion annually to properly maintain schools and address the most critical risks of building failures. When questioned about whether the allocated maintenance funding would be sufficient, MacAlister stated that spending is projected to increase to “about £3 billion” over the next decade.
He added, “Overall capital spending in today”s prices will in 2026/27 reach just over £8 billion, which is a considerable investment. The last time we came anywhere close to that level was 2008/09.” He acknowledged the historical periods of under-investment in capital and stressed the importance of prioritizing schools as a key focus for the government, stating, “Education is a top priority for the Government.”
