Written question WQ87491

High level condition data is collected as part of an annual schools return that is collected through the Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme. We ask local authorities to grade their whole-school sites using an A-D categorisation which is outlined below:

Condition A: As new condition. Typically features one or more of the following:

typically built within the last five years or may have undergone a major refurbishment within this period, maintained/serviced to ensure fabric and building services replicate conditions at installation, no structural, building envelope, building services or statutory compliance issues apparent, no impacts upon operation of the building.

Condition B: Sound, operationally safe, and exhibiting only minor deterioration, Typically features one or more of the following:

maintenance will have been carried out, minor, deterioration to internal/external finishes.

few structural, building envelope, building services or statutory compliance issues apparent, likely to have minor impacts upon the operation of the building.

Condition C: Operational but major repair or replacement needed in the short to medium-term (generally 3 years). Typically features one or more of the following:

requiring replacement of building elements or services elements in the short to medium-term, several structural, building envelope, building services or statutory compliance issues apparent, or one particularly significant issue apparent, often including identified problems with building envelope (windows/roof etc.), building services (boilers/chillers etc.), likely to have major impacts upon the operation of the building, but still allow it to be operable.

Condition D: Inoperable or serious risk of major failure or breakdown. Typically features one or more of the following:

building is inoperable or likely to become inoperable, due to statutory compliance issues or condition representing a health and safety risk or breach, may be structural, building envelope, or building services problems coupled with compliance issues, the conditions are expected to curtail operations within the building (exclude very minor items which can be rectified easily).

We do not plan to publish any specific condition information as the detailed data sits at a local level and it is a local authority duty to assess safety risks for all buildings within its school estate and keep records on the condition of their school estate.