Around 7,600 A-level pupils in schools affected by crumbling concrete

Around 7,600 A-level students are in schools impacted by crumbling concrete, House of Commons Library research commissioned by the Liberal Democrats has revealed.

An additional 19,700 GCSE pupils are in schools with reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC). These estimated figures cover all end-of-year 11 pupils and end-of-year 13 pupils at mainstream schools with RAAC. This means they also include students taking other qualifications such as BTECs and T Levels. 

The Liberal Democrats are calling for a special appeals process for A-level and GCSE students who have had their education disrupted by crumbling concrete in schools to allow them to appeal for higher grades.

Schools facing issues with crumbling concrete have had to deal with sudden closures, relocations and significant disruptions to learning, including children being taught in portacabins. However, currently pupils impacted by the discovery of crumbling concrete in their school are set not to receive any moderation in their exam marking to reflect these challenges.

234 education settings have confirmed reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC), of these 119 schools will need one or more buildings rebuilt or refurbished where work to remove RAAC is more extensive and complex.   

Liberal Democrat Education spokesperson Munira Wilson MP said:

“Thousands of children have had their education severely disrupted by crumbling concrete making their schools unsafe. It is shocking that some children spent months being taught in portacabins and makeshift facilities through this crucial time in their education.

“The previous Conservative government abandoned children and parents leaving a legacy of crumbling classrooms. The new government must now ensure pupils and parents impacted by these years of chaos are given the support they need.  

“That is why the Liberal Democrats are calling for a special appeals process for A-level students affected by crumbling concrete, to ensure they get the grades they deserve.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

The full House of Commons Library research is available here.

Details of the 119 schools that need one or more buildings rebuilt or refurbished where work to remove RAAC is more extensive and complex here. 

A total of 60,436 pupils are currently attending Secondary Schools requiring buildings to be rebuilt or refurbished.