This is a House of Commons committee special report, including a government response to an earlier committee report.
The Education Committee published its Seventh Report, Foundations of Learning: replacing RAAC and securing school buildings (HC 1399) on 11 February 2026. In response, the government says it welcomes the report and that the findings of the Committee contribute meaningfully to the wider programme of work, set out in the Education Estates Strategy. The government has committed to permanently removing RAAC from schools and colleges. By 2029, every school and college in England that is not being substantially rebuilt will be RAAC-free, and every school with RAAC needing to be rebuilt through the School Rebuilding Programme (SRP) will be in delivery. This response sets out the government’s position on each of the Committee’s conclusions and recommendations. These fall under the following headings:- Managing safety risks in higher-risk buildings.
- Asbestos management and compliance.
- Building capability in responsible bodies.
- Strategy, delivery and transparency.
- Inclusive and accessible school buildings.
Maintaining a sustained focus on resolving the RAAC issue in schools is critical to safeguarding occupants and ensuring long term resilience of the educational buildings. Reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete is a lightweight but less durable material that can deteriorate over time and, in some cases, fail with little or no warning, creating a risk of sudden structural collapse. As many affected buildings are now beyond their intended lifespan, proactive identification, monitoring and remediation are essential to managing risk effectively and preventing disruption such as partial closures or relocations. A continued, structured approach, combining regular inspections, clear risk management strategies and timely investment, will be key to protecting pupils and staff while restoring confidence in the safety and reliability of school infrastructure.
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