Progress made on RAAC removal

More than half of RAAC-affected schools and colleges now either fully free of the material or on the path to removal. 

RAAC has been removed RAAC from 52 schools with targeted grant funding. Meanwhile, 71 schools are in the process of being rebuilt under the School Rebuilding Programme.

Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, said: "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."

Meanwhile seven more hospitals have had their reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) removed.

A further 12 hospitals are set to be clear by March 2026. The government has pledged to eliminate RAAC from the NHS estate by 2035.

The removal is supported by £440 million this year.

The seven hospitals are Kidderminster Hospital, Kidderminster; Broomfield Hospital, Chelmsford; Homerton University Hospital, London; Scunthorpe General, Scunthorpe; Churchill Hospital, Oxford; Queen Victoria Hospital, East Grinstead; and New Cross Hospital, Wolverhampton.

Simon Corben, Director of Estates at NHS England, said: "Keeping patients and staff safe is always our top priority, and we have been working closely with trusts to manage RAAC safely and ensure the continuation of services while this essential work is taking place.

"The completion of these latest projects is a positive step, giving staff confidence that they can continue delivering care in safe environments - and we will keep working with trusts to complete the programme across the NHS estate at pace."