Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has laid out a clear plan to get rid of risky concrete in schools and colleges across England. The goal is simple: no child should study in a building with this problem material by the time the next general election comes around.
What the Plan Looks Like in Practice
The government wants to fix the mess left behind after years of poor upkeep in school buildings. They are pushing hard to take out Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete, known as RAAC, from every affected site. This does not include places already picked for full rebuilds under a special programme. Those rebuilds are moving fast, with more than half already started and all set to finish in the same period.
Already, over 42,000 students attend classes in rooms without any trace of this unsafe concrete. That number keeps growing as work continues day by day.
Why This Matters for Kids and Parents
Parents want peace of mind when they send their children to school. Kids need a place where they can concentrate on lessons without worrying about the roof over their heads. Bridget Phillipson put it straight: the old neglect stops now. Every classroom must be safe and fit for learning. This is not just about fixing walls; it is about telling young people their future counts.
Think about it like this: a solid building helps build solid confidence. When students sit in bright, secure rooms, they pay more attention to teachers and less to cracks in the ceiling. That is the kind of start every child in England deserves.
How Many Schools Face This Issue
England has more than 22,000 schools and colleges in total. Out of these, 237 were found to have confirmed RAAC in their structures. The good news is that every single one keeps running full-time, in-person classes for all students. No one misses out on face-to-face teaching.
The fix comes in different ways depending on the school:
- 123 sites get completely new buildings through the School Rebuilding Programme.
- 108 schools and colleges receive direct government money for removal work. Local councils or academy trusts handle the jobs.
- Six places have other solutions, such as moving away from the old buildings for good.
Just last month, the education department shared an update on progress. Today, they confirm that 62 schools and colleges no longer have any RAAC at all. The material is gone for good from those locations.
Money Backing the Promise
None of this happens without proper funding. The government has pledged £38 billion for school buildings over the next five years. That is the highest level of capital spending on education since 2010. The cash goes toward new constructions, repairs, and getting rid of dangerous materials like RAAC.
With this budget, local teams can hire contractors, order materials, and keep sites running while upgrades take place. Safety stays the top priority at every step.
What Happens Next on the Ground
Schools already in the rebuilding programme see cranes and workers on site. For others getting grants, plans are drawn up and tenders go out quickly. Responsible bodies, whether a local authority or a multi-academy trust, make sure the work meets strict standards.
Surveys continue in any building where doubt remains. If RAAC turns up, it goes on the list for action. The education department tracks every case closely. Regular updates keep everyone informed, from headteachers to parents.
Imagine a school hall with fresh paint and strong beams. That is the picture the government wants for every child. Step by step, classroom by classroom, the old risks disappear.
A Wider Push for Better Schools
Clearing out RAAC fits into a bigger plan to lift standards across the board. Safe buildings are the foundation. Once they stand firm, teachers can focus on great lessons, and students can aim higher. The message is clear: education is worth the investment.
Bridget Phillipson leads the charge, but the effort pulls in thousands of people. Architects design, builders construct, and inspectors check. All of them work toward the same deadline: a school system free from this worry before voters head to the polls again.
For families, the change feels real. A child who once studied under props and boards now sits under a sturdy roof. That small shift makes a big difference in daily life.
The roadmap is set, the funds are in place, and the teams are ready. England’s schools are on their way to becoming safer, stronger, and ready for the future.