Across the UK, more than 214 schools have been impacted by reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC), a lightweight building material used from the 1950s to the mid-1990s, which is now at risk of collapse
. The government has published an updated list of 234 schools and colleges in England that contain RAAC
. Reasons for closures and safety measures:
- The Government decided to close over 100 education buildings with concrete prone to collapse, requiring new safety measures to ensure student safety
- The decision follows a National Audit Office study that indicated a "very likely and critical" risk of injury or death from building collapse in schools containing RAAC
- Some schools are implementing "mitigations" such as closing certain buildings
- In some instances, only a section of the school building may contain RAAC, leading to the closure of specific classrooms rather than the entire school
Examples of schools affected:
- Aston Manor Academy, Birmingham No students are expected to be on the school site until at least September 11
- Ferryhill School, County Durham The start of the new school year has been delayed
- Hadleigh High School, Hadleigh, Suffolk Considering delaying its opening or only opening some areas
- Hockley Primary School, Essex
- Honywood School, Colchester, Essex Approximately 22 classrooms are expected to close immediately, with some pupils learning online and a rota system for year groups attending school
- Kingsdown School, Southend, Essex
- Mistley Norman Church of England Primary School, Essex
- Our Lady's Catholic High School, Fulwood, Lancashire Closed September 4 and 5
- Pershore High School, Pershore, Worcestershire
- Ravens Academy, Clacton-On-Sea, Essex Closed for two days after RAAC was found in a roof
- Scalby School, Scarborough, North Yorkshire
- Springfield Primary School, Chelmsford, Essex
- St Anne's Catholic Primary School, Harlow Green, Tyne and Wear Closed until September 11
- Corpus Christi Catholic primary school in Brixton
- St Thomas More Catholic Comprehensive in Eltham
- Three other schools
