RAAC Update

Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC)

You may have seen recent media coverage regarding Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) and it’s use in educational settings.  RAAC is a lightweight form of concrete; because it is weaker than regular concrete, concerns have been raised about its long-term durability.  The Department for Education (DfE) has recently changed its guidance to education settings on the management of RAAC to take a more precautionary approach and as a result areas with RAAC will be vacated until safety mitigations are put in place. 

I would like to inform you that a DfE-commissioned survey recently identified that RAAC panels were used in the construction of some of the College buildings, therefore we have taken the difficult decision to vacate the following areas at Grantham College:

We will therefore be taking the above affected areas out of use whilst we put safety measures in place.  We appreciate the concern this may raise, but we will always prioritise the safety of students and our staff.  

Specifically, we have adjusted timetables so that face to face teaching can continue.  DfE will be supporting us throughout and will also be assisting with longer-term remediation measures so that we can bring all students back into the affected classrooms and workshop areas once we are fully confident it is safe to do so. 

I appreciate that the timing of this decision, at the start of the Autumn term, is far from ideal.  This decision has been taken out of an abundance of caution to ensure student safety and we will be doing all we can to ensure that the impact on students is kept to a minimum. 

Thank you for your patience and understanding in this matter. 

Yours sincerely

Paul Deane

Principal & Chief Executive

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