50% of schools have disused or unsuitable areas in England

File: School Week

A survey conducted among school leaders shows that 51% of educational institutions in England have buildings or areas that are either out of use or considered unsuitable for teaching. Most respondents in a survey of members of the National Association of Headteachers (NAHT) said that the funding allocated for maintaining school buildings is insufficient, Schools Week reports.

According to the survey, around two-thirds of leaders reported that their school toilets are in poor condition. In addition, 76% of respondents said basic infrastructure such as windows, roofs, and doors is not up to standard. More than half of school leaders said playgrounds and classrooms are also unsuitable for use. Seven percent reported that some buildings and mobile classrooms are completely closed.

The survey also highlighted serious issues in special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) facilities, with 41% of respondents saying these spaces are unsuitable and 3% saying they are closed. NAHT general secretary Paul Whiteman described the situation as “incredible,” saying some schools are operating in old and even unsafe buildings. He added that some schools are forced to teach in buildings that are neither warm nor watertight.

Some school leaders taking part in the survey reported serious building problems, including leaking roofs, mould on walls, and rooms taken out of use. They also said the current situation forces them to choose between essential education spending and building repairs. In their view, this creates a dilemma of “books versus pipes.” Officials also emphasized that there is a serious lack of funding for school infrastructure and that additional investment is needed to improve the situation.