Scarborough school closed because of unsafe concrete rejected for Government's Rebuilding Programme

Data reveals Scalby School, which is currently closed to 1000 pupils because of unsafe concrete concerns, was rejected for the funding last year

Scalby School
Author: Liam ArrowsmithPublished 5th Sep 2023

It's emerged a school in Scarborough which is closed because of the crumbling concrete crisis was rejected for the Government's school rebuilding programme in 2022.

Data available on a Government website reveals Scalby School made an application in December 2022, but wasn't successful.

It is now closed to around 1,000 students because unsafe RAAC may have been used in the building.

Michael McCluskie, the learning director at the Coast and Vale Academy, said in hindsight the decision was not fair.

"The main part of the building was built in 1942, and everything has a sell-by date" he told Greatest Hits Radio.

"We felt what we would like to advocate for was 21st-cenutry learning facilities for our students."

"I think because the Department for Education thought the school was workable, that's why it was rejected."

Scalby School is now looking at moving students to other sites, while work is carried out on classrooms.

Some children may have to return to a mix of virtual and in-person learning.

Mr. McCluskie praised staff in the Department of Education, saying a case worker was in the school and working with it on a reopening plan.

The Department for Education has been asked for a comment.

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