he Department for Education has published its much-anticipated list of the schools with confirmed reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC).
More than 10 London schools are on the list, among a total of 147 schools to have been affected by the crumbling concrete, according to the list published on Wednesday.
The list shows pupils at least 24 schools across England will receive some remote learning because of the concrete crisis, with four schools switching to fully remote learning.
One London school – St Gregory’s Catholic Science College in Harrow – is among those four, alongside one in Tyne and Wear and two in Durham.
The list also shows 19 schools where the start of term has had to be delayed as a result of RAAC.
Among them are two London schools – Hornsey School for Girls in Haringey, and St Francis’ Catholic Primary School in Newham.
At the majority other schools affected by RAAC, all pupils remain in face-to-face education, either on-site or nearby. At some, pupils are receiving a “mix of face-to-face and remote arrangements”.
List of London schools affected by RAAC
- Myatt Garden Primary School, Lewisham
- Seven Mills Primary School, Tower Hamlets
- The Ellen Wilkinson School for Girls, Ealing
- St Ignatius College, Enfield
- Welbourne Primary School, Haringey
- St John Vianney RC Primary School, Haringey
- Hornsey School for Girls, Haringey – start of term delayed
- Park View School, Haringey
- The London Oratory School, West Brompton – mix of face-to-face and remote arrangements
- St Gregory’s Catholic Science College, Harrow – fully remote learning
- St Francis’ Catholic Primary School, Newham – start of term delayed
In a letter sent to parents on July 21, Hornsey School for Girls said surveys had found its roof needed “significant remedial works”, meaning pupils’ return in September would be staggered.
Year 7s were set to return today (Wednesday), joined by Year 8s from Friday, while other year groups were not due to return until next week.
“We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience and frustration this may cause your children, you and your family,” said the letter, from head teacher Kuljit Rahelu Headteacher, and Jane Edwards, Assistant Director for Schools & Learning at Haringey Council.
“We know this sort of disruption can cause issues and have only had a very short time frame in which to share the news with you.”
RAAC is a lightweight building material which is now assessed to be at risk of collapse.
More than 100 schools and colleges were told by the Department for Education to partially or fully close buildings just as pupils prepare to return after the summer holidays.
Schools minister Nick Gibb said the collapse of a beam that had been considered safe over the summer sparked an urgent rethink on whether buildings with the concrete could remain open.
In a written statement following the publication of the full list on Wednesday, Education Secretary Gillian Keegan, said: “I know this is the last way parents, teachers and children affected by this wanted to begin the new term, but it will always be my priority to ensure the safety of pupils and staff.
“Thanks to the hard work of schools, colleges, councils, diocese and academy trusts, the majority of settings where RAAC has been confirmed have opened to all pupils for the start of term.
“We will continue to support all impacted settings in whatever way we can, whether that’s through our team of dedicated caseworkers or through capital funding to put mitigations in place.
“We are also expediting surveys and urging all responsible bodies to tell us what they know about Raac, so we can be confident that settings are safe and supported.”
As Rishi Sunak faced ministers at Prime Minister’s Questions at Wednesday lunchtime, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer focused on the concrete crisis, and attacked the Government over what he branded “cowboy builder” response to school buildings.
“The truth is this crisis is the inevitable result of 13 years of cutting corners botched jobs, and sticking plaster politics,” said Sir Keir.
Mr Sunak responded by saying the government is doing everything it can, and says he will make “no apology” for acting in the face of “new information”.
He says the “vast majority” of schools are not affected by RAAC.
