School closed in West Yorkshire after discovery of 'crumbly concrete'

The issue affects several classrooms, and staff are now planning how to use the remaining available space at the school to continue teaching.

When the school returns from its half term break on November 1 it will only be open to pupils in year 11, with the remainder of students returning to online working.

Trade union UNISON, which represents public sector workers, is worried about the impact the closure will have on both students and staff.

UNISON Yorkshire and Humberside regional organiser Rianne Hooley said: “It’s really concerning that this dangerous concrete has only just been identified in the school, so long after the issue has been in the spotlight and this far into the autumn term.

“It means that since September the pupils and staff have been learning and working in a potentially dangerous building.

“The government has completely mishandled the crumbly concrete situation and continues to do so. Ministers must cough up and fund the repairs to St Thomas a Becket so children and staff can get back to normal as soon as possible.”

Lesley Fitton, Chief Executive of the Bishop Konstant Catholic Academy Trust, which runs the school, said: “The safety of our pupils and staff is of paramount importance and work is underway to mitigate the risks and minimise disruption to children’s education.

“The Academy Trust and school leadership have been working closely with the Diocese of Leeds, have engaged a specialist RAAC structural engineer to inspect the building, and will implement whatever remedial measures are required. The Trust will ensure all DFE guidance is being followed correctly.”

Sheffield Council has announced at least 40,000 council-owned properties will be examined to see if they contain RAAC. The dangerous concrete has already been removed from Abbey Lane Primary school at a cost of £620,000.