All schools to be RAAC free by 2029, says DfE

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has set a 2029 timeline for the removal of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) from all schools and colleges.

So far, the government has confirmed that RAAC has been removed from 62 schools and colleges. For schools with RAAC being rebuilt through the School Rebuilding Programme (SRP), all will be in delivery by the end of the current parliament, with more than half underway at present.

Of the 22,000 schools and colleges in England, 237 had confirmed RAAC, all of which are providing full time face-to-face education for all pupils. 123 schools with RAAC will be rebuilt through the School Rebuilding Programme and 108 schools and colleges are getting government grants for RAAC removal, with works delivered through their responsible body – usually the local authority or Trust. Six schools and colleges have alternative arrangements, including buildings not being part of their estate in the longer term.

Bridget Phillipson said: 

"After years of neglect we are giving every child a safe and 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, it’s what children deserve and it’s what we are delivering."