A school in Kenton has been confirmed as having a building made of a dangerous type of concrete but is expected to open as normal on Tuesday, according to the local council.
A building at St Gregory’s Science College in Brent contains the crumbling concrete that has sparked nationwide safety fears.
The government has confirmed that more than 100 school buildings across the country would need to fully or partially close over concerns they could suddenly collapse. Those pupils affected will be forced to shift to online learning or in temporary facilities whilst repair work is carried out.
Brent Council has confirmed that the concrete is present at the secondary school and sixth form on Donnington Road. Safety measures have already been put in place at the site before repair work takes place to get it ready for pupils returning to school next week.
The school, a coeducational Roman Catholic secondary school located in the Kenton area, has confirmed that all parents have been informed of the latest position and it is expected to be resolved by Tuesday (September 5).
Known as reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC), the dangerous material was used to construct schools, colleges, and other buildings between the 1950s and 70s in the UK, but has since been found to be at risk of collapse. The Department for Education (DfE) have been urged to release the full list of schools impacted, which so far sits at 104.
However, schools minister Nick Gibb has warned that more schools could be affected by the presence of the unstable concrete. The minister said the Department for Education (DfE) had been gathering evidence on the concrete since 2022 but conceded that more schools could yet face closures. He added that parents would be informed by schools if necessary.
Leader of Brent Council, Councillor Muhammed Butt, said: “One school in Brent (St Gregory’s Catholic Science College) has identified reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) in one of its buildings.”
He added: “Safety measures are being introduced and work is underway to prop up the affected area. The works should be completed by Monday for students to safely return on Tuesday as planned.”
