More than half of schools affected by reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) have been upgraded, or are in the process of being rebuilt, the Government announced this week.

The Department for Education this week reached a milestone in its mission to fix the crumbling school estate, announcing it has successfully removed all RAAC concrete from 52 schools with targeted grant funding.

A further 71 schools with RAAC are in the process of being rebuilt under the School Rebuilding Programme, with 52 of these projects starting under the current government.

“These are not just statistics – they represent thousands of children who can now focus on learning instead of worrying about the roof above their heads, as well as less service disruption, and more-reliable working conditions for staff,” said a DfE spokesman.

“Every milestone brings us closer to our Plan for Change mission to tackle the crumbling buildings the Government inherited and ensure excellence everywhere for every child.

“With 60% of RAAC-affected schools either removing, or having removed RAAC, we’re breaking down the barriers that crumbling buildings create to give every child the best start in life.”

Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, added: “High-quality classrooms show every child that their education matters — and that their future matters to this government.

“We are repairing the fabric of our schools and restoring the pride pupils feel in their classrooms.

“As part of our Plan for Change, we are delivering the largest school improvement programme in a generation—moving beyond short-term fixes to create lasting benefits for pupils, teachers, and communities.

“After years of neglect, we inherited a school estate in urgent need of repair. Now, with unprecedented long-term investment, we are breaking down barriers to opportunity and building schools where every child can thrive.

“This government is backing words with action — investing £38bn in education capital over five years, taking investment to levels not seen since 2010.

“Through the 10-Year Infrastructure Strategy, schools have unprecedented long-term funding certainty, with maintenance investment rising to nearly £3bn a year through to 2034-35.

“That’s alongside almost £20bn to rebuild schools across England – including 250 new rebuilds on top of the 500 already announced, delivering world-class, net zero, and climate-resilient buildings that will inspire generations to come.”