RAAC

Following the UK Government revised guidance about Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) in schools, a small number of areas at George Watson’s College have been put out of use with immediate effect pending a full intrusive survey.

Updates will be made daily from 4pm when necessary, on this page.

For further information, please view our Press Release.

Update 4pm Friday 29 September 2023

Over the past few weeks groundwork investigation has taken place in the West Quad in preparation for the arrival of four temporary classrooms. The arrival of the classrooms has now been confirmed for w/c 9 October. We will be making every effort to keep disruption to a minimum, but as you would expect there will be some unavoidable changes in order to accommodate these units.

The West Quad (in front of the Centre for Sport) will be closed to all vehicles from Monday 9 October for up to four days. During this closure, four classroom units will arrive on site.

Before the classrooms arrive, we need to install the services. These works will take place on Saturday 30 September and Sunday 1 October, between 7.30am-3.30pm. There will be a partial closure of the car park to allow these works to take place.

Please take additional care when walking or driving in the vicinity during unit arrival.

Update 4pm Friday 13 September 2023

A full timetable has been taught since Monday 4 September, albeit that some classes have been displaced to unusual teaching spaces. All those spaces have been appropriately furnished and provided with full access to educational technology.

Meanwhile, we have commissioned in-depth intrusive investigations and specialist surveys, obtained temporary storage facilities and procured temporary classrooms, whilst ensuring we continue to keep day to day life at Watson’s as normal as possible for our pupils.

Over the last couple of weeks we have seen a tremendous effort from pupils who have had to adapt to new classrooms or social settings as well as a huge amount of additional work for staff. The combined effort is a really fantastic reflection of the strength of the Watson’s community.

We will continue to work hard to reinstate all spaces as quickly as possible, but naturally the safety of our pupils and colleagues remains our priority and there is a limit to what we can do whilst minimising the impact on the operation of the School.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a risk of exposure to asbestos? If so, how will this be managed?

Have all areas of School been assessed for RAAC?

Updated guidance from the UK Government on Thursday 31 August made us reassess the risks of continuing to occupy areas of the School where RAAC may be present and to take a precautionary approach. There are four such areas on the first floor of the main Senior School building, an area in the Centre for Sport and the Squash Courts. These have been put out of use with immediate effect pending intrusive survey work. All other buildings of the School have undergone a preliminary survey and no further RAAC has been identified. Additional surveys by Structural Engineers are planned.

How long will the identified areas of the School be closed?

Is there a risk to the areas surrounding those that are now closed?

With immediate effect we have closed areas where the presence of RAAC has been identified, pending a full intrusive survey. These areas have been cordoned off and double locked. Signage has been placed around the School and all pupils and staff have been briefed on room closures. Areas surrounding those that have been closed are safe to use and will not be impacted as a result of RAAC.

How will the delivery of classes be affected by room closures?

Staff and pupils who work in the affected areas have been rehoused in general classrooms or other spaces around the School, including meeting rooms and offices. These spaces have been fully equipped for teaching and all staff will ensure that the impact on learning and teaching is minimised. Temporary classrooms have been sourced and will arrive on site within the next few weeks.

What will the impact be on afterschool clubs and societies?

How will pupils be supported during disruptions?

Where will the temporary classrooms be housed?

Will school squash activities be able to take place?

Our intention was for squash to return for pupils after school using squash courts 3 and 4, however these are now under investigation for the existence of RAAC. Courts 1 and 2, that have been confirmed not to contain RAAC, are currently having new glazing installed. These works should take between three and four weeks, after which, squash will resume. The PE Department regrettably thinks that it is highly unlikely that a suitable alternative venue can be found in the meantime.