Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has announced 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 buildings across England two years ago, many children are still studying in such compromised structures.
In 2023, it was revealed that authorities had warned approximately 100 educational institutions to shut down affected facilities unless safety measures were implemented. Following three roof collapses caused by the material, the government allocated funding for its removal. However, the process of eliminating the problematic substance from schools is still in progress.
Phillipson emphasized the importance of ensuring equal opportunities for all students nationwide. She highlighted the deteriorating conditions of many school facilities, citing crumbling walls and ceilings supported by steel props, and outdated classrooms that fail to convey a sense of value to students.
She attributed the current state of education infrastructure to the previous administration and pledged that the Labour Party would rectify the situation. By the end of the current parliamentary term, every school and college in England not undergoing complete or substantial reconstruction will be free of RAAC. Projects for schools requiring rebuilding will also be advancing.
Phillipson stressed the need for a conducive learning environment for all students, emphasizing the government’s commitment to providing classrooms that students can take pride in. Out of approximately 22,000 schools and colleges in England, 237 were identified to have deteriorating concrete, with 62 having already undergone the removal of RAAC.
The Department for Education confirmed the progress made in addressing the issue, with ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and quality of educational facilities across the country.