School with Raac in classroom to be rebuilt

Raac was found in August in a classroom of Selworthy Special School

A special school which was found to have reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac) in one of its classrooms is to be rebuilt.

Pupils at Selworthy School in Taunton were delayed in returning to class in September 2023 after Raac was discovered.

The building has now been added to a list of schools across the country which will be rebuilt through the government's School Rebuilding Programme.

The Department for Education (DfE) will procure a contractor to design the new buildings and secure planning permission.

'Build better'

Ian Robinson, chief executive officer of the Oak Partnership Trust, which runs the school, said: “It goes without saying how pleased we are to be on the DfE's School Rebuilding Programme.

"The discovery of Raac in August 2023 was only the latest in a long list of challenges on a school site that is no longer fit for purpose to meet the needs of some of Somerset’s most vulnerable primary age children.

"We are look forward to working not only with the DfE, but also with Somerset Council so that out of this RAAC adversity we can build bigger and build better."

Taunton Deane MP Rebecca Pow said: “Whilst the Raac issue was concerning, out of this situation has come a really positive outcome in terms of Selworthy Special school now being allocated for a complete rebuild.

"This much-valued school deserves a modern, fit for purpose upgrade.

"I shall be working to ensure progress is made and that suitable temporary facilities are in place for the pupils in the interim period.”

What is Raac?

Raac is a lightweight material which was used mostly in flat roofing, but also in floors and walls, between the 1950s and 1990s.

It is a cheaper alternative to standard concrete and is quicker to produce and easier to install.

Experts say a wide range of public buildings have been constructed using the material and could now be at risk of collapse.