Managers of RAAC affected school near Dereham say they're working quickly to re-open
Thomas Bullock Academy's main hall contains RAAC - and has been closed after updated Government advice
Last updated 5th Sep 2023
Those running a Norfolk school affected by potentially crumbling concrete say they're working quickly to re-open the whole site.
Thomas Bullock Academy, in Shipdham, near Thetford, has delayed the start of the school term, after the government advised them not to use their main hall - as it contains RAAC, which is prone to collapse.
"That's our priority now"
Oliver Burwood is CEO of the Diocese of Norwich Education and Academies Trust:
"What's important for us is to find the right contractor as soon as we can, so that we can get the mitigations or the replacement completed in a sensible and safe way. Once we've got that- we can get back in and use the hall. That's our priority now.
"The one bit we're not 100% on is whether the remedial works that were recommended - which are around improving how these RAAC panels join onto the rest of the building - are considered enough, given the changing advice.
"We have advised parents that the school opening will be 6th September in order to ensure we have everything safe, organised and ready for a successful school year.
"We are sorry for the inconvenience this has caused but hope that in this specific circumstances it will be understood.”
What's the Government planning to do to fix this?
The Department of Education say:
"Where RAAC is confirmed, we provide rapid support to schools on the advice of structural engineers, which includes providing capital funding for essential works to remove any immediate risk and, where necessary, the provision of temporary buildings. This is fully funded by the department.
"We work closely with responsible bodies to manage RAAC in the long-term, supported by capital funding provided to the sector each year, and our rebuilding programme."