Three year groups in Oxfordshire secondary school to work from home following Raac discovery

A secondary school in Oxfordshire was closed on Monday (11 September) after it was confirmed that unsafe concrete known as Raac has been found in the building.

The John Mason School secondary school and sixth form situated on Wootton Rd believed Raac was not present in the building following a survey - but it has now been told otherwise.

Abingdon Learning Trust have said: "Unfortunately, we have now further information, and there is Raac at John Mason School.

"We have been in urgent contact with the Department For Education. We are waiting on their guidance as to the next steps."

In a letter to parents, the school said three year groups will have to work from home - while the school will reopen for two year groups from tomorrow.

Alastair West, Headteacher said: "Dear families, I wanted to write to you because I know that this disruption will be challenging for you and your families and I want to give you as much information as I can to help you make plans for the week ahead.

"We have been working with the Department for Education (DFE) who are very clear that where Raac has been identified, we must restrict access to those spaces. These restrictions must remain in place until mitigation has taken place. This leaves us with a reduced capacity for students on the school site this week.

"Our aim is to minimise disruption to students’ education over the coming days, prioritising our vulnerable students and those in exam years.

"Students will therefore be asked to combine working in school with working from home and, from Tuesday morning, they will be set work online. Students who have not yet received their login details will be able to complete all work set as it will be provided through the school website.

"I want to take this opportunity to thank those of you who have been in touch to offer help and support.

"This is a difficult situation for you to deal with at any time but particularly at the start of the school year and we will continue to work proactively with the DFE to get all students back in school safely and maximise their educational opportunities as soon as possible."

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