Raac school could be demolished and rebuilt

A primary school could be demolished and rebuilt after unsafe concrete prone to collapse was found in the building.

Concerns were raised about St Francis Catholic Primary School in Ascot in 2023 after Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (Raac) was found and alternative classrooms, including marquees, were arranged.

The Department for Education (DfE) has proposed demolishing and replacing the main school building, which has "reached the end of its operational life".

The plan is set to be approved by Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead (RBWM) councillors on Thursday.

During construction, a single-storey temporary school will be built on its playing field and will be used for two years. Its current alternative classrooms will also be retained.

The new school building could be finished in time for the start of the school year in September 2027.

It would offer "modern and inclusive" teaching spaces, the RBWM planning documents said.

The school currently has capacity for 210 children, which will remain the same once the scheme is finished.