The safety risk from asbestos is more severe in poorly-maintained school buildings.

700,000 children are being taught in unsafe or ageing school buildings in England that need major repairs, according to a report by the National Audit Office.

The report points out that the danger from asbestos is more severe in poorly-maintained buildings.  The BBC, reacting to the report, quotes Kate Chisholm, executive head teacher of Oakfield Schools Federation, in Gateshead, saying her school buildings were “full of asbestos” as they were built in the 1960s.

It also states that following years of underinvestment, the estate’s overall condition is declining and around 700,000 pupils are learning in a school that needs major rebuilding or refurbishment.  Most seriously, The Department of Education recognises significant safety concerns across the estate, and has escalated these concerns to the government risk register.