Responding to the government's update today on progress removing RAAC from schools, and its plans for capital investment in education, Paul Whiteman, general secretary at school leaders’ union NAHT, said:

“We welcome the progress made so far in removing RAAC. It is good to see that this government is prioritising this work and we urge it to continue to do so.

“However, there were 234 schools on the DfE’s final list of schools affected, and with many still awaiting remedial action - and at least one having had to delay the start of term - there clearly remains some way to go. Work to remove RAAC cannot come soon enough at these schools.

“The issues with the school estate are not just about RAAC. We hear of problems with leaking roofs, children learning in draughty portable cabins, and even school dinners being served in corridors.

“While any capital funding commitment is positive, the National Audit Office’s most recent figures showed the cost of restoring crumbling school buildings to at least a satisfactory condition was £13.8bn.

“This highlights the importance of the Treasury investing more in the school estate so that all pupils can learn in buildings truly fit for the future. The upcoming Budget provides another opportunity to commit to this essential work.”