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First school to be rebuilt after Raac found opens

Amy HolmesHertfordshire political reporter
News imageChristina Reffold A newly built two‑storey school building with a modern design. The entrance features glass doors decorated with blue and yellow balloons, and signage above reads “ST JOHN’S CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL”. The exterior combines light brick and white cladding, with large windows across the upper floor.Christina Reffold
St John's Catholic Primary School in Rickmansworth has been rebuilt after Raac was found in the old building on site

A school has become the first in England to be fully rebuilt after reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac) was discovered on site.

The All Saints Catholic Academy Trust has reopened the St John's Catholic Primary School in Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire, after Raac was identified in 2022.

Students were moved into a temporary building on the school field and then the original building was demolished and rebuilt on the existing site.

"This has been a challenging period for our school community," said head teacher Patricia O'Donnell.

"I am incredibly grateful to our parents for their continued support and encouragement."

Josh MacAlister, the minister for children and families, added: "For too long, children have been learning in classrooms that are falling apart.

"We are breaking that cycle so our children can learn in classrooms that are fit for purpose."

News imageSt John's Catholic Primary School A wide view of a low-rise school building surrounded by grass, trees and paved paths on a clear day. Several connected blocks with flat roofs are visible, along with fenced play areas and outdoor equipment.St John's Catholic Primary School
Students were moved into a temporary building on the school field and the original building was demolished and rebuilt on the existing footprint

Raac is a lightweight form of concrete used in public buildings between the 1950s and 1990s.

The material was found during routine structural assessments of the school building.

O'Donnell added: "Moving into a brand-new school with amazing facilities and fantastic outdoor space marks the beginning of a positive new chapter for our pupils and staff."

The newly completed school includes a Wi-Fi-enabled outdoor classroom, a primary practical classroom, a multi-use games area and a 3G sports pitch.

Stephen Wheatley, the CEO All Saints Catholic Academy Trust, said: "The opening of the new St John's School building is a very welcome and significant milestone in the life of the school and of our trust.

"We are rightly proud of this wonderful school, that has continued to grow from strength to strength over the past few years, despite the challenges posed by the discovery of Raac."

McAlister added: "This is all part of our 10-year plan for national renewal, backed by a further £1bn into the education estate, to create high-quality buildings that meet their needs and help them thrive."

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