The Department for Education (DfE) has assured that there are currently no children attending schools that raise safety concerns. This information was presented to Members of Parliament during a session of the Education Select Committee.
Initial findings from ongoing DfE research indicate that there are no widespread issues linked to system-built structures, such as reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac), across the educational estate. However, Dr Jonathan Dewsbury, the DfE”s director of education estates and net zero, pointed out that the deterioration of school buildings is primarily due to inadequate maintenance.
“The Government acknowledges that this is a significant challenge,” stated DfE minister Josh MacAlister during the committee meeting. He further emphasized, “At present, there are no children in schools where we have safety concerns. However, this remains a risk for our department and our capital projects, prompting us to invest in proactive management.”
In response to the Raac crisis, the DfE has allocated £5 million for research into the condition of school buildings, which is expected to conclude in spring 2026. Dr Dewsbury reported that early results show no systematic issues related to system-built structures but highlighted a trend of deterioration linked to a lack of maintenance.
The committee discussed progress made in addressing the Raac crisis within educational facilities. On the same day, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson announced that all schools containing Raac that are not scheduled for rebuilding must have the problematic concrete removed by the end of the current Parliament. Schools earmarked for reconstruction under the Government”s School Rebuilding Programme should also see work completed by that time, she added.
To date, Raac has been permanently eliminated from 62 out of 237 schools and colleges identified with the concrete. Paul Whiteman, general secretary of the NAHT school leaders” union, acknowledged the advancements made but noted, “There clearly remains some way to go.” He pointed out that issues within the school estate extend beyond Raac, mentioning problems such as leaking roofs, children learning in drafty portable cabins, and school meals being served in corridors.
The Government has earmarked £2.4 billion for improving the condition of schools and colleges in the 2025/26 fiscal year. Nonetheless, the National Audit Office previously reported that the DfE had indicated a need for £5.3 billion annually to adequately maintain schools and address the most critical risks of structural failure.
When questioned about whether maintenance funding would be adequate, Mr. MacAlister replied that spending is projected to increase to “about £3 billion” over the next decade. He noted, “Overall capital spending, in today”s prices, will exceed £8 billion in 2026/27, representing a significant investment.” He added that the last time funding approached this level was during the 2008/09 fiscal year.
Reflecting on the past 14 to 15 years, Mr. MacAlister acknowledged that there had been prolonged periods of under-investment in capital projects, stating, “This ultimately catches up with you, and it becomes more expensive to rectify issues. We are increasing capital spending and prioritizing funding for schools alongside other critical infrastructure needs because education is a top priority for the Government.”
