Paul Whiteman, general secretary of school leaders’ union NAHT, said: “After over a decade in which the government has slashed funding to replace ageing school buildings and for maintenance and repairs, it’s little wonder that some are in a dangerous condition.

“It is absolutely right that children and staff safety should be prioritised, but it is deeply concerning that with only a few days to go until the start of the new term schools are now being told to prepare to close parts of the building. We need far better planning and communication for schools.

“What we need now is an urgent and comprehensive plan to fix any building deemed to be at risk. The government must get a grip on this worrying situation.”