More than half of headteachers across the UK have reported that significant portions of their schools are either unusable or unfit for purpose, according to a new survey. The findings, released ahead of the NAHT school leaders' union annual conference in Belfast, paint a stark picture of crumbling infrastructure. Educators have cited issues such as mouldy walls, leaking roofs, and collapsed drains.
Toilet Blocks and SEND Facilities Affected
Nearly two-thirds (65 per cent) of those affected by unfit areas specifically highlighted toilet blocks as being unsuitable, with 8 per cent reporting closed facilities. Additionally, two in five (41 per cent) of NAHT members with unfit or closed areas said special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) facilities—including dedicated classrooms, sensory rooms, and outdoor spaces—were not fit for purpose. A small number of leaders (7 per cent) reported that entire school blocks or mobile classroom blocks were currently closed.
Union Leader Calls Situation 'Desperate'
Paul Whiteman, general secretary of the NAHT, described the situation in some schools as 'desperate'. 'Some of the stories we have heard from school leaders about the state of their buildings, and their struggles to secure the funding needed to rectify things, really beggar belief,' he said. 'No child or teacher should be expected to operate in draughty, crumbling buildings—doing so can risk their learning, health and safety. Children deserve modern, fit-for-purpose schools with fantastic facilities, but where we still have ageing buildings which aren’t even warm or watertight, that sadly feels like a pipe dream for many leaders.'
Headteachers Share Struggles
Steve Hitchcock, headteacher at St Peter’s CE Primary School in Budleigh Salterton and Devon branch secretary, said: 'I need to replace old temporary classrooms. I have to throw good money after bad just to keep repairing leaks and issues. I don’t have enough money to replace carpets and decorate—simple annual tasks. The school estate is being run down. The longer this goes on the more money it will cost in the long run.' Hitchcock noted he relies on fundraising and grants from local charities to bridge funding gaps.
Almost all survey respondents (96 per cent) said they do not receive enough capital funding to maintain their school buildings and estate. One NAHT member shared: 'We have rooms that are closed to children, walls covered in mould, a leaking roof, sinking floorboards, unfit windows and a condemned playground.' Another added: 'The building is inadequate and falling apart. An MDF sheet is holding up a wall in our only hall. Over half the school is in temporary classrooms—the rest is falling down and riddled with asbestos.'
Government Funding and Debate
At the NAHT’s annual conference, members will debate a motion calling for the union to lobby the Government to fully fund essential capital spending across all state schools in England, with access prioritised based on need and safety. The Department for Education (DfE) has set out a decade-long plan to renew school buildings, backed by £1 billion. This includes £700 million to tackle maintenance issues in schools and colleges. However, the National Audit Office has estimated the cost of restoring school buildings to a satisfactory condition is £13.8 billion. The Education Select Committee has also warned that significant risks remain across the UK’s ageing school buildings.
The NAHT surveyed 326 members in February 2026.
