Commenting as the education committee hears evidence on government progress in removing RAAC from affected schools - and after the education secretary committed to ensuring all schools are RAAC-free before the next general election, Paul Whiteman, general secretary at school leaders’ union NAHT, said:

“We welcome the progress made so far in removing RAAC. However, there clearly remains some way to go, and work to remove this material cannot come soon enough at the many affected schools which are still waiting, with at least one having had to delay the start of term.

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

“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.”