Teachers at Bramhall High School in Stockport say they face a 'constant battle' every day as ageing buildings leave areas with 'no access to water or toilet facilities'. The school was forced to close in 2023 after dangerous reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) was found, which is prone to sudden unexpected collapse. It later reopened with safety measures, but parts remain sectioned off, with pupils and staff working in temporary classrooms.
Partial rebuild planned for 2028
Plans to rebuild a large part of the school have been hailed as 'a once in a generation opportunity to create a state-of-the-art learning environment', with construction expected to start in 2028. However, the development is not a full rebuild; one maths block will be left standing as it is considered newer, but this building currently has no running water. The school is also seeking to raise £650,000 after the government said it would not fund new furniture or equipment for the new school.
The school described this as 'a significant shortfall', warning that 'students will move into the new building using ageing desks, outdated technology and limited resources'. The funds would go towards modern furniture, sports equipment, landscaping, refurbishing parts of the current site, and music, drama, and arts facilities.
Headteacher criticises government approach
Headteacher Paul Williams told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that the situation means pupils will have brand new parts of the school next to buildings in a 'terrible state', arguing the government's approach did not make sense and might not be cost effective. He said: 'This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for our school and our community. While the new building will be a huge step forward, without additional funding it will fall short of what our students need and deserve. We want to create an environment that supports outstanding teaching, inspires our students, and provides facilities the wider community can benefit from. We can't achieve that alone.'
MP raises issue in House of Commons
Cheadle MP Tom Morrison raised the issue in the House of Commons, criticising the government's 'short-sighted' plans and describing the need for the school to go 'cap in hand' for furniture funding as 'ludicrous'. He noted that one block has no water or toilets, corridors are extremely narrow, and pupils have been using temporary cabins since November 2023. The school was rated 'the least inspiring education building in the country', and a rebuild was 30 years overdue. Morrison said a contractor's assessment indicated a full rebuild is the best option, and a partial rebuild will cost more in the long term, acting as a 'sticking plaster'.
Government responds
Parliamentary undersecretary for education Josh MacAlister, a former teacher in Stockport and Oldham, said the government is 'doing things differently to fix the failures of the past' and maintaining public investment at the highest sustained level in four decades. He praised the school's response to RAAC and said the redevelopment would be a lasting legacy. He confirmed that a new three-storey building will replace every building except the maths block, which was built post-2000 and has solar panels and other modern features. Detailed surveys show it is in good condition and does not warrant demolition.
On furniture, MacAlister stated that all fixed furniture, fixtures, and equipment are provided in the rebuilding project, including a new kitchen, ICT equipment, and drama lighting rigs. However, standard loose furniture like tables and chairs is not normally provided, as schools should have ongoing replacement programmes as part of normal capital management.
