The government has pledged to remove all reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) from schools in England by the end of this Parliament, setting a target of 2029. The move follows years of concern about the safety of school buildings constructed with this material, which has been linked to structural failures and emergency closures across the country.

What is RAAC — and Why Is It a Problem?

RAAC, a lightweight form of concrete used widely between the 1950s and 1990s, was once seen as an affordable and efficient building solution. Unfortunately, it has since proven less durable than traditional concrete, leading to the risk of collapse as it ages. In 2023, a beam failure in one school triggered national action, forcing dozens of schools to close or relocate pupils to temporary classrooms.

In Essex alone — the worst-affected area — 70 schools were partially or fully closed due to RAAC. Across England, 237 schools were identified as containing the material.

The Government’s Plan

Education Minister Josh McAllister confirmed that every affected school will either have RAAC removed entirely or be in the process of a full rebuild by 2029. So far, 62 schools and colleges have already had RAAC eliminated, including 10 in Essex.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said the plan reflects a renewed focus on safety and quality:

“After years of neglect we are giving every child a safe and high-quality classroom where they can focus on learning.”

However, opposition parties and education leaders have expressed concern about the pace of change. The Liberal Democrats called the timeline a “betrayal,” saying pupils shouldn’t have to wait years for safe learning environments. The Association of School and College Leaders also urged for a long-term maintenance strategy to prevent similar crises in future.

What This Means for Parents

For families, the removal of RAAC may bring both reassurance and disruption. Some children will continue learning in temporary classrooms while repairs or rebuilds take place. Parents can expect updates from their schools about progress and safety checks.

While the timeline stretches to 2029, the government insists work will be ongoing throughout — meaning most schools should see visible improvements well before the final deadline.

The Bigger Picture

The RAAC crisis has highlighted the importance of sustained investment in school infrastructure. Beyond removing unsafe materials, many education experts are calling for a more proactive approach to maintaining and modernising school buildings. Ensuring safe, welcoming learning environments is not just a logistical issue — it’s a fundamental part of supporting children’s education and wellbeing.

At Walnut Learning, we believe every child deserves a safe, inspiring space to learn. As this work unfolds, we’ll continue to follow updates and share practical insights for parents navigating changes in their local schools.