Officials have raised the risk level of school buildings collapsing to “very likely”, after an increase in serious structural issues being reported – especially in blocks built in the years 1945 to 1970.
England’s dilapidated school estate has been a cause of growing concern, but the dangers were laid bare in the Department for Education’s (DfE) annual report, which highlights school building safety as one of six key risks.
At time of publication there was no imminent risk to life, the report states by way of reassurance, but the situation was said to be “worsening”. As a result officials have escalated the risk level for school buildings collapsing from “critical – likely” to “critical – very likely”, with the issue now so urgent it is being overseen by a board of permanent secretaries from across government departments.
Other risks being managed by the DfE, according to the annual report, include loss in public confidence in the fairness of public exams, concerns that children and young people will not recover from the impact of Covid leading to a widening attainment gap between pupils, high needs cost pressures and cybersecurity.
