Pupils at St Leonard’s Catholic School in Durham have returned to a new permanent school building, marking a major national milestone as the first school to be fully rebuilt following the Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) crisis
In summer 2023, St Leonard’s Catholic School was identified as one of the schools affected by the RAAC crisis, with more than 80% of the school impacted.
The discovery led to significant disruption, with the majority of pupils taught in temporary accommodation while plans were developed for a long-term solution.
Lucie Stephenson, CEO of Bishop Wilkinson Catholic Education Trust, said: “This marks a hugely important milestone for St Leonard’s Catholic School and for Bishop Wilkinson Catholic Education Trust.
“Following a period of significant disruption, we are incredibly proud to see pupils and staff move into a permanent school building that reflects the high aspirations we hold for every child and young person in our care.”
RAAC crisis forced students to move to temporary educational facilities
Due to the RAAC crisis, the Department for Education and Bishop Wilkinson Catholic Education Trust worked with BAM UK & Ireland to move pupils into temporary accommodation in autumn 2023, before work began on a full rebuild of the site.
More than 1,300 students aged 11 to 18 continued their education in temporary facilities while construction progressed.
School’s construction site provided learning opportunities for students
BAM UK & Ireland worked in close partnership with the school throughout the build to minimise disruption and provide learning opportunities for students, including work experience, site tours, and workshops.
In 2024, the school was rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted, despite being in the middle of the rebuild.
Rebuilt school brings state-of-the-art learning facilities to Durham
The project has now reached completion with pupils relocating to their permanent school.
The move brings students into a calm, inspiring learning environment with science laboratories, technology rooms, a climbing wall, a dance studio, a gym, a chapel, and outdoor play areas and picnic spaces.
“We are delighted with our new school; it is exceptionally well designed and beautifully finished. The use of light and space in the building brings a sense of calm and warmth to the school community,” commented David Simmons, acting head of St Leonard’s Catholic School.
He concluded: “The landscaping of the outdoor areas includes gardens, shelters, sports facilities, and terraced areas, and the building’s location highlights the beauty and history of our site.
“The pupils have settled very quickly into their new home and are enjoying the opportunities they now have in state-of-the-art facilities.”
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