The UK government commits to removing hazardous RAAC from every school and college in England, with timelines, funding, and rebuild plans announced to ensure safer classrooms
The Education Secretary has announced a comprehensive plan and timeline to eliminate reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) from all schools and colleges in England. The government intends to remove the structural risk, with significant funding completely and targeted rebuilds already underway. Over 42,000 pupils are now in RAAC-free classrooms, and the move aims to ensure every child learns in a safe, stable environment.
A commitment to children in the classroom
Every single child in England will be learning in classrooms free from RAAC as the Education Secretary outlines timelines for removing the material from all schools and colleges, preventing schools from crumbling.
RAAC was widely used in the UK for roofing, flooring, and walling, mainly between the 1950s and 1990s, particularly in schools, hospitals, and public buildings. It is made from cement, lime, water, and an aerating agent that creates tiny air bubbles throughout the mixture. RAAC is much weaker, less durable, and has a limited lifespan.
For schools with RAACs being rebuilt through the School Rebuilding Programme (SRP), all will be delivered within the same timeframe, with more than half already underway.
The move will break down barriers to removing RAAC, with more than 42,000 pupils already learning in RAAC-free classrooms.
Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, said: ” We inherited a crumbling education estate, but I won’t let that be our legacy.
After years of neglect, we are giving every child a safe, high-quality classroom where they can focus on learning by setting clear timelines for the permanent removal of RAAC from schools and colleges. It’s what parents expect, what children deserve, and what we are delivering.
It’s about more than just buildings – it’s about showing children that their education matters, their futures matter, and this government is determined to give them the best possible start in life.”
237 schools with confirmed RAAC
There are over 22,000 schools and colleges in England, and 237 have confirmed RAAC. Within that figure, 123 schools with RAAC will be rebuilt through the School Rebuilding Programme, and 108 schools and colleges are receiving government grants for RAAC removal, with works delivered through their responsible body. Six schools and colleges will have alternative arrangements in place.
Last month, the Department for Education provided an update on progress on RAAC removal in schools and colleges in England. Today, the government has confirmed that RAAC has been permanently removed from 62 schools and colleges, marking a significant step towards our goal.
It follows the Department for Education’s announcement of £38 billion in education capital investment over the next five years, bringing it to levels not seen since 2010.
