Following a RAAC beam collapse in a school in September 2023, a nationwide investigation began to find out how many other schools were also at risk due to the same issue. A year on, the government had discovered that almost 240 schools were confirmed to have RAAC around their premises.
Many of the affected buildings remain untreated, with the education minister admitting in February 2025 that just 30 schools had successfully removed the dangerous material. The prevalence of RAAC is putting the lives of countless teachers, students and support staff in danger, and must be addressed correctly to avoid future issues.
Our guide is designed to help those in charge of school buildings handle the RAAC removal process seamlessly. Please continue reading to learn what to do after discovering this construction substance.
What does RAAC stand for?
RAAC stands for Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete. It is a form of lightweight concrete that was heavily used in public buildings between the 1950s and 1990s. Common uses for RAAC included roofs, floors, cladding and floor construction.
Why is RAAC in schools a cause for concern?
As mentioned, an incident almost two years ago raised concerns for staff, pupils, parents and the government. However, the reasons why RAAC is a material we should all be worried about are now more widely known.
Common concerns include:
- Short life span – RAAC was never designed to last beyond 30 to 40 years
- Chance of unexpected collapse – Unlike standard concrete, this type can fail without warning
- Porous and brittle – Its aerated structure makes it more vulnerable to moisture, weakening it over time
- Harder to detect degradation – RAAC is often hidden above ceilings or inside walls, making it difficult to identify potential issues
How can I test if my school has RAAC?
If you are responsible for detecting RAAC in your school buildings, several methods can be used to inform your research.
First, review historical building records to see if the property was constructed between the 1950s and 1990s. Second, look for warning signs like flat roofs, cracking ceiling panels or discolouration. Third, instruct chartered professionals to carry out a specialist survey.
We conduct building surveys for schools and can detect the presence of RAAC during the inspection. Our experts can then write a detailed report of its location and recommendations for its removal.
The RAAC removal process
RAAC removal can be a complex and dangerous process, so engaging experienced professionals is a must. A typical process could look something like this:
- Instruct a building surveyor to inspect your premises
- Implement temporary supports if part of the building is at risk of immediate collapse, and isolate the area to prevent injuries should the material fall
- Use building consultants to create a detailed removal and replacement plan
- Take out RAAC and replace it with a more durable material
- Wait for an engineer to conduct a final inspection and sign it off before the area is reopened
How is RAAC removal funded?
Several funding schemes are available and could be used to remove RAAC from your school. If you are unsure which ones can fund the works in your educational facility, please call 0808 253 2759 to speak to our experts about your options.
What to do if your school has RAAC
If you or a building surveyor discovers RAAC in your school buildings, you must take the following steps to prevent harm to your people and your reputation:
- Inform stakeholders, such as parents, staff and local authority
- Implement safety measures immediately
- Create a replacement plan as soon as possible
- Apply for suitable funding to have the capital readily available
- Minimise disruption by considering portable classrooms or sharing facilities with a nearby school or another within your multi-academy trust (MAT)
Get in touch to discuss your RAAC concerns with Eddisons Education
We are here to support your school, whether you suspect RAAC may be present or you have already discovered it and need it removed. Our surveying and building teams can work closely to manage the project from start to finish.
If you are interested in receiving support from Eddisons Education, do not hesitate to ring 0808 253 2759 or complete the form below.
