First UK school fully rebuilt after Raac

According to the BBC, pupils were temporarily relocated while the original building was demolished and replaced with a modern structure. Headteacher Patricia O'Donnell described the rebuild as a “challenging but positive period” for the school community and thanked parents for their ongoing support.

Children and Families Minister Josh McAllister said the new building ensures pupils can learn in safe, purpose-built classrooms, ending years of studying in deteriorating conditions.

Reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac), a lightweight concrete widely used in UK public buildings between the 1950s and 1990s, was uncovered during a routine structural inspection.

The new school features Wi-Fi-enabled open classrooms, a practical early years classroom, a multi-purpose playground, and a 3G sports pitch.

All Saints Catholic Academy Trust CEO Steven Whitley called the reopening “a significant milestone” and expressed pride in the new facilities, which mark a fresh chapter for staff and students alike. McAllister added that the rebuild is part of a 10-year national plan investing £1 billion to create high-quality school buildings across the country.