Recent findings from the Department for Education (DfE) have revealed that there are no widespread safety issues across UK schools concerning specific building materials, such as reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac). This information was presented during a session of the Education Select Committee.
Dr Jonathan Dewsbury, the DfE”s director of education estates, informed Members of Parliament that research indicates a lack of systematic problems associated with system-built structures. However, he noted that many school buildings are deteriorating due to insufficient maintenance. “The Government acknowledges that this is a significant challenge,” stated DfE minister Josh MacAlister during the committee meeting on Tuesday.
MacAlister further assured that no children are currently attending schools where safety is a concern. “It is a risk for the department and our capital projects, which means that we are investing proactively to manage it,” he added. Following the Raac crisis, the DfE has committed £5 million to investigate the condition of school facilities, with a study set to conclude in spring 2026.
Dr Dewsbury emphasized that early research findings suggest no systematic issues linked to system builds, although they do indicate significant deterioration due to lack of maintenance, as reflected in previously published condition data. The committee discussed measures to address the ongoing Raac crisis, with Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson stating that all schools with Raac that are not slated for rebuilding should have the deteriorating concrete removed by the end of this Parliament. Additionally, schools scheduled for reconstruction under the Government”s School Rebuilding Programme are expected to be underway by then.
So far, Raac has been completely removed from 62 out of 237 schools and colleges confirmed to have used the material. Paul Whiteman, general secretary of the NAHT school leaders” union, acknowledged the progress but pointed out that more work remains. “The issues with the school estate are not just about Raac. We hear of problems with leaking roofs, children learning in drafty portable cabins, and even school meals being served in corridors,” he remarked.
The Government has allocated £2.4 billion for the 2025/26 period to enhance the condition of the school and college estate. However, the National Audit Office previously indicated that the DfE suggested in 2020 that an annual funding of £5.3 billion would be necessary to maintain schools and mitigate severe risks of building failure.
When questioned about the sufficiency of maintenance funding for schools, MacAlister noted that spending is expected to increase to “about £3 billion” over the next decade. “Overall capital spending in today”s prices will exceed £8 billion in 2026/27, representing a significant investment,” he stated. He acknowledged that the last time spending approached this level was in 2008/09. He further explained that prolonged periods of under-investment in capital lead to escalating costs for repairs, emphasizing the Government”s prioritization of educational infrastructure alongside other critical national projects.
