Wycombe's St Michael’s Catholic School impacted by RAAC crisis

St Michael’s Catholic School, on Daws Hill Lane, has closed off its main hall and dining area after it was revealed it contained reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete [RAAC].

The school's new term will start tomorrow (Wednesday, September 6) with dining to take place elsewhere in the school grounds with the affected buildings closed off to pupils. A 'rebuild' is underway to fix the issue, the school said. 

It comes as more than 100 schools in England and Wales have been told to fully or partly closed because of the safety risks posed to children, including the Waddesdon Church of England Secondary School in Aylesbury. 

The Daws Hill Lane School has been impacted by the RAAC crisis (Image: NQ)

READ MORE: Steve Baker Watch described as 'clowns' as MP slams mock blue plaque in High Wycombe

A spokesperson from the school told the Free Press: “We knew about the problem last October [2022], and apart from one room, the school will be open.

“Teachers had an inset day today [September 5], and a letter has been sent out to parents and guardians explaining what is currently happening.

READ MORE: Driver reported after being caught doing nearly 100mph in hired vehicle

“Students are due to report back on September 6 and it’ll be business as usual.”

A part of the letter that was sent out reads: “We have alternative plans for lunch times, assemblies and PE, using the Secondary site and our temporary classrooms.

“Rest assured that the safety of children and staff is of paramount importance to all concerned.

The letter that was sent out on September 5 to parents (Image: N/A)

“We appreciate the concern this may raise, and we will always prioritise the safety of your children and our staff.”

High Wycombe MP Steve Baker said: “It’s of course very frustrating as some of these buildings are incredibly old, but things will get resolved soon.”

READ MORE: 'I’m delighted to be here' - Ex-West Ham man joins Wycombe on free transfer

Education Secretary Gillian Keegan said: “Nothing is more important than making sure children and staff are safe in schools and colleges, which is why we are acting on new evidence about RAAC now, ahead of the start of term.

“The plan we have set out will minimise the impact on pupil learning and provide schools with the right funding and support they need to put mitigations in place to deal with RAAC.”