I recently visited St Michael’s Catholic School to discuss the recent planning approval for their new buildings. St Michael’s was among 234 UK schools identified in England in 2023 as having unsafe Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC), forcing some students to learn in temporary classrooms.
Despite their crumbling buildings, the enthusiasm and commitment of the staff and students at St Michael’s Catholic School shone through during my visit. I am delighted that, after years of challenges, the students will get safe and high-quality classrooms where they can focus on learning.
Executive Headteacher Louise Baker said:
After years of teaching in a range of temporary accommodation because of RAAC, this planning approval is a huge moment for the whole St Michael’s community. I’m incredibly grateful to our children and staff for the resilience and positivity they’ve shown every day — they’ve kept the school spirit strong through real disruption. This decision lets us move forward with confidence toward a safe, modern building that they all deserve.