Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many schools in England and Wales of any height are estimated to have combustible (a) cladding and (b) insulation.

The information requested is not held centrally.

Following the Grenfell tragedy, the Department contacted all bodies responsible for safety in school buildings in England. They were instructed to carry out checks to identify any buildings which had aluminium composite material (ACM) cladding of potential concern, so that they could be further investigated, and any risks were managed and dealt with appropriately and promptly. This work focussed on identifying buildings over 18 metres or with residential accommodation with ACM. The Department has identified just one school over 18 metres with ACM cladding. This school has already taken remedial action.

The Government attaches the highest priority to the safety of pupils and staff in schools. The Department is working closely with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to implement the ban on the use of combustible cladding on new residential buildings over 18 metres, including residential schools and student accommodation. More widely, we will continue to work across Government to take forward the findings from the Hackitt Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety.

Schools are, in general, very safe environments in this regard as they are typically occupied during the daytime and have multiple exit routes. In addition, all schools must comply with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, including having an up-to-date fire risk assessment and conducting regular fire drills.

The position for Wales is the responsibility of the Welsh Government.