Knuzden St Oswald’s Church of England Primary Academy in Lancashire has become the next school to be affected by Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC)
RAAC is a lightweight building material used in roofing, floors, and walls, which was used from the 1950s to the 1990s. RAAC was popular due to its known affordability and easy installation. However, it has a limited lifespan, and the concrete can rapidly deteriorate, becoming dangerous.
RAAC is often described as “bubbly” and lasts about 30 years. It’s vulnerable to structural issues exposed to moisture due to its porous nature, allowing water to seep through the material.
Students were mostly unaffected
RAAC was discovered on the school premises after the school administration conducted tests. All students could attend regular in-person classes while the affected areas were isolated for repairs, ensuring minimal disruption to their education.
“During proactive invasive sampling and laboratory testing commissioned by the Trust, RAAC was identified in an area of the school which was extended in the 1970s,” said Matt McIver, chief operating officer at Cidari Multi Academy Trust.
“Following Department for Education guidance, the affected areas were removed from use, and we are working with the Department and our own contractors to address the issue. In the meantime, the wider school buildings are unaffected, and through temporary repurposing of spaces, all pupils continue to be taught on-site,” he continued.
Hundreds of schools have been affected by RAAC
Knuzden St Oswald’s, located in Hyndburn borough, is the first school in East Lancashire to be listed by the Government as having RAAC in its building. The only other affected school in the county is in Preston, where the start of the term was delayed because of this issue.
So far, over 200 schools across the country, as well as numerous public buildings throughout the UK, have been identified with RAAC concerns. According to the latest update from the Government on October 16, a total of 12 schools are still required to provide some remote learning for students due to the RAAC problem.
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