A HALSTEAD school has been forced to close four of its classrooms after discovering their construction included potentially dangerous concrete.

Ramsey Academy, in Colne Road, has confirmed it is one of more than 100 schools across the country affected by the Government’s decision to close all school buildings which contain a material called reinforced autoclave aerated concrete (Raac) with immediate effect.

Headteacher Charlotte Sterland confirmed Raac was found in one of the school’s buildings following a survey commissioned by the Department for Education.

Writing to parents last week, Mrs Sterland said: “We have taken the difficult decision to vacate four of our classrooms.

“They will be out of use until we have confirmation that adequate safety measures are in place. We appreciate the concern this may raise, but we will always prioritise the safety of students and staff.”

She added that the school’s leadership team has identified alternative classrooms to minimise the impact of the crisis on pupils.

Year 11 pupils will return to school alongside a new Year 7 intake on Wednesday while other year groups will return on Thursday.

Most pupils at Honywood School in Coggeshall are also unable to go to school this week after its headteacher James Saunders confirmed 22 of its classrooms are unusable.

Harwich and North Essex MP Sir Bernard Jenkin told the Gazette he understands 65 schools across the county are impacted by the issues with Raac, making Essex the worst affected area of the country.

Essex County Council’s Labour group has written to Education Secretary Gillian Keegan demanding reassurances that all the county’s schools have been properly assessed and that children are not at risk.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak insisted 95 per cent of England’s schools are unaffected by Raac, leaving open the possibility more than a thousand could still be impacted.

Downing Street said the total number was expected to be in the hundreds rather than the thousands and the vast majority of schools would not be affected.

Union leaders have also written to Ms Keegan seeking clarity over the support for schools and the funding arrangements for dealing with Raac.