Raac: Mum calls for exam help for pupils affected by school closures

Siobhan McKenna said the Raac crisis has had a "terrible impact" on her daughter

A parent whose daughter's school is partially closed because of potentially dangerous concrete is calling on the government to give affected students extra help with their exams.

Siobhan McKenna says Raac-related closures at Aylesford School in Warwick meant her child "had to teach herself".

School leaders have appealed for special exam considerations.

The Department for Education (DfE) said it was not possible to make changes for only some groups of students.

Across England, 231 schools and colleges have reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac) within their buildings, with the number expected to rise.

Ms McKenna's daughter is in Year 10 preparing for her GCSEs and has been attending school on a rotational basis as well as doing remote learning.

"It has had a terrible impact [on my daughter], she's been having to teach herself subjects that she's never done before, it's been really awful," Ms McKenna told Radio 4's World at One.

"It's horrible as a parent to sit and see your child struggling so much.

"We have been told that it's unlikely that the whole school will be reopened until September," she added.

The headteacher of Aylesford School said dealing with Raac had been "difficult for the whole school community"

Aylesford is on a government complex cases list, after initial investigations led to the discovery of asbestos in buildings.

The discovery of the substance is likely to complicate work to repair unstable concrete.

Ms McKenna added: "This is going to impact the students for the rest of their life and is going to stop them getting to sixth form or university.

"I have noticed a difference in her and her friends, they are stressed, struggling, and worried.

"It's just like being in Covid but on your own, it's the same kind of frustration and everybody else is carrying on around us as if nothing's happening. It is just an awful situation to be in."

Tim Hodgson, head teacher at Aylesford School, told BBC CWR: "It has been very difficult for the whole school community.

"Regular information about our progress has been provided, often on a daily basis as we focus on the education of our children."

A DfE spokesperson said: "We have asked awarding organisations to, where possible, agree longer extensions for coursework and non-examined assessment so that schools have as much time as possible to complete this important part of pupils' learning and qualifications."