Raac-hit school to move sixth form off site

Northampton International Academy was created in the old Royal Mail sorting office on Barrack Road

A school where collapse-prone concrete was found is planning to move its sixth form off site.

The concrete was discovered on the top floor of Northampton International Academy, where the sixth form was based.

The floor, which also housed 18 classrooms, was taken out of use.

A new temporary sixth form centre will be funded by the government.

Reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac) is a lightweight form of concrete that was used in the construction of many buildings between the 1950s and 1970s.

Experts said much of the Raac used in construction projects had exceeded its lifespan of 30 years and could collapse.

Northampton International Academy (NIA) is based in an old Royal Mail sorting office opened in 1981.

Raac was found in its top floor last September and the area was sealed off as a precaution.

Much of the top floor of the building was closed as a precaution following the discovery of Raac

NIA is now seeking permission to move its 240 sixth form pupils to a vacant three-storey office block, Elgin House, near the centre of Northampton.

It said the building would be completely refurbished to provide "modern and spacious facilities" for students.

It would have 12 classrooms and a sixth form common room, with on-site catering facilities.

The sixth form would be based there until repairs on the main building were completed.

Elgin House is on Billing Road, about 1.3 miles (2.1km) from Northampton International Academy

No parking spaces would be provided for pupils and they would be encouraged to use public transport or a minibus from the main campus to get to Elgin House.

The cost of the conversion of the building would be met by the Department for Education.

NIA head teacher Martin Serrao said he was looking forward to welcoming students at the new centre in September

NIA head teacher Martin Serrao said: "We are excited that we will be able to provide sixth form students with a new, inspiring learning environment for them to continue their studies and work towards achieving their aspirations.

"We're looking forward to welcoming students to the new sixth form centre in September."

A decision is expected on the planning application in June.