Question to the Department for Education:

To ask His Majesty's Government how many schools and colleges have been affected by issues relating to reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete in the past five years.

The number of schools and colleges with confirmed reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) in some of their buildings was 237.

All schools with identified RAAC have been made safe. The department has supported schools and colleges to put in place mitigations and the government is funding the removal of RAAC from schools and colleges in England.

The department has committed to resolving this problem as quickly as possible, permanently removing RAAC either through grant funding or the School Rebuilding Programme.

The requirements of each school or college will vary depending on the extent of the issue and nature and design of the buildings. Permanently removing RAAC may involve refurbishment of existing buildings or rebuilding affected buildings.

For schools having RAAC removed through the School Rebuilding Programme, schools are prioritised for delivery according to the condition need of their buildings, readiness to proceed, and efficiency of delivery. We will also take into account the suitability and longevity of any temporary accommodation they are using. We have confirmed to responsible bodies when works are expected to start.

For schools and colleges receiving grants, it is for individual responsible bodies to develop project plans that suit their individual circumstances, drawing on support from the department as needed. The scope of each project will vary depending on the extent of the issue and nature and design of the buildings. We are working with responsible bodies to support them as they take this forward.