Schools with RAAC urgently need more support, says ASCL letter to Secretary of State for Education

The Association of School and College Leaders has written to the Secretary of State for Education calling for urgent action to provide better support for schools impacted by RAAC (Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete).

ASCL is calling for exemption from Ofsted inspections for these schools until they are fully operational, and for students to receive automatic special consideration for coursework and non-exam assessment in cases where schools and colleges have had to close specialist classrooms. The letter also makes the case for greater financial support and for clear timeframes to be set out as to when and how RAAC will be removed.

The letter, from ASCL General Secretary Geoff Barton, states: “The unacceptable length of time it has taken the government to act on a risk of this seriousness has led directly to the extremely difficult position in which many school leaders now find themselves.”

The full letter is available to read here.