UK schools in ‘desperate situation’ as headteachers say areas out of use or unfit for purpose
More than half of headteachers in the UK report that a significant proportion of their schools are unusable or not fit for purpose, a new survey has found.
The findings, released ahead of the NAHT school leaders’ union’s annual conference in Belfast, paint a stark picture of crumbling infrastructure, with educators talking of moldy walls, leaky roofs and collapsed drains.
Nearly two thirds (65 per cent) of those affected by inappropriate spaces specifically said toilet blocks were unsuitable, with 8 per cent even reporting facilities were closed.
NAHT general secretary Paul Whiteman described the situation in some schools as “hopeless”.
“Some of the stories we hear from school leaders about the condition of their buildings and their struggles to get the funding to fix things are really not credible,” he said.
“No child or teacher should be expected to work in drafty, dilapidated buildings as doing so could put children’s learning, health and safety at risk.
“Children deserve modern, fit-for-purpose schools with fantastic facilities, but when we still have outdated buildings that aren’t even warm or waterproof, this sadly feels like a pipe dream for many leaders.”
Two fifths (41 per cent) of NAHT members who said they had spaces that were unfit for purpose or closed said that facilities for people with special educational needs and disabilities (such as special classrooms, sensory rooms and outdoor areas) were not fit for purpose.
A few leaders (7 percent) said their entire school block or mobile classroom block is currently closed.
At NAHT’s annual conference, members will debate a motion calling on the union to lobby the Government to fully fund core capital expenditure in all state schools in England, prioritizing access to funding based on need and security.
Steve Hitchcock, headteacher of St Peter’s CE Primary School in Budleigh Salterton and Devon branch secretary, said: “I need to replace the old temporary classrooms. I need to spend good money on bad to keep fixing leaks and problems.”
“I don’t have enough money to replace and decorate the carpets; simple annual tasks. The school grounds are being dilapidated. The longer this goes on, the more money it will cost in the long run.”
Mr Hitchcock said he had to rely on donations and grants from local charities to fill the gap in funding for school buildings.
Nearly all respondents (96%) said they do not receive adequate capital funding for the maintenance of school buildings and properties.
“We have rooms closed to children, walls covered in mould, a leaky roof, sinking floorboards, unsuitable windows and a dilapidated playground,” said one NAHT member.
Another said: “The building is inadequate and falling apart. Our only hall wall is supported by MDF sheets. More than half the school is in temporary classrooms; the rest is falling apart and full of asbestos.”
The Department for Education (DfE) has drawn up a £1bn ten-year plan to renovate school buildings. This will include £700 million to tackle maintenance issues in schools and colleges.
But the National Audit Office estimates the cost of bringing school buildings into a satisfactory condition is £13.8 billion.
The Education Select Committee also warned that significant risks remain in England’s aging school buildings.
NAHT surveyed 326 members in February 2026.
