Union Urges Financial Protection for UK Schools with Crumbling Concrete

The headteachers' union is urging the UK government to provide financial protection for schools threatened by deteriorating reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete and fund recovery for lost learning. In 2023, schools were asked to shut buildings containing Raac without existing safety measures. Of the 234 UK schools with Raac, the Department for Education plans rebuilds for heavily affected schools and grants for others. In Scotland, the issue prompted calls for a national register of affected buildings after identifying 500 at-risk homes in Aberdeen.

The headteachers’ union is urging the UK government to provide financial protection for schools threatened by deteriorating reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac) and fund recovery for lost learning.

In 2023, schools were asked to shut buildings containing Raac without existing safety measures.

Pepe Di’Iasio, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, highlighted potential enrolment declines and budget issues for affected schools, calling it a long-term financial setback.

As of February, Raac was found in 234 UK schools.

The Department for Education plans to rebuild or refurbish 119 heavily affected schools and offer grants to 110 others for smaller-scale removal of Raac.

In Scotland, the Scottish Liberal Democrats pushed for a national register of Raac-affected buildings after identifying 500 at-risk homes in Aberdeen, recommending tenant relocation.