London school shuts over building safety fears from RAAC

It comes as the government has shared that schools in England built using a type of concrete would need to close over building safety fears. 

Reports show that the use of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) in buildings could lead to sudden collapses of structures. 

RAAC was typically used in schools built from the 1950s to the 1980s but now the government has shared that some schools will need to close to reinforce and ensure the building is safe, including London schools. 

Today we’ve published new guidance for education settings impacted by Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC).

Here’s everything you need to know about RAAC and how we’re supporting schools and colleges to manage it safely ⬇️https://t.co/3ZaKz89MtK

— Department for Education (@educationgovuk) August 31, 2023

London school forced to shut over RAAC fears

Local school Corpus Christi Catholic School in Brixton Hill, Lambeth was forced to shut before the start of the new term. 

Parents received a letter in August from the co-head teachers, sharing: “There has been a problem around some schools and public buildings built 1950s to 1980s using a form of lightweight concrete known technically as Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) that is beginning to show signs of deterioration in some cases.

“All schools are being inspected for this concrete and at Corpus Christi, RAAC was located in the roof of part of the school on the junior site.

“To minimise any risk to pupils and staff, the school has decided after taking professional advice that it is necessary to relocate from the Trent Road site to minimise disruption from the necessary structural work that must be undertaken in the next few months.

Corpus Christi Catholic School in Brixton Hill, Lambeth. (Image: Google Maps)

“The school is working closely with the Archdiocese of Southwark, Lambeth Local Authority and Department for Education to engage specialist engineers to advise on resolving the issue.”

Offering a helping hand, St Martin ln The Field Girls School is accommodating pupils from Corpus Christi whilst the safety measures are put in place. 

All work to help schools with RAAC is being funded by the Department for Education, with a budget of £1.8 billion given for the 2023-2024 costs. 

At the time of writing, a full list of London schools affected has not been released by officials.