This summary is based on reporting by Schools Week, specifically the article: “Areas disused or not fit for purpose in 50% of schools, poll suggests” (28 April 2026).
A recent survey of school leaders suggests that poor building conditions remain a widespread issue across England’s schools, with many struggling to maintain even basic infrastructure.
According to polling of members of the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT), just over half of respondents reported having areas of their school that are either unusable or not fit for purpose.
The problems go well beyond isolated maintenance issues. More than half of leaders said key facilities such as playgrounds, classrooms and toilets are in poor condition, while around three-quarters flagged basic structural elements like roofs, windows and doors as inadequate.
In some cases, the situation appears severe. Schools reported closed classrooms, mould, leaking roofs and even entire buildings or temporary units being taken out of use.
There are also concerns about provision for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Around two in five leaders said specialist facilities, such as sensory rooms or dedicated classrooms, are not fit for purpose.
Funding is a central issue. Almost all respondents said they do not receive enough capital funding to maintain their buildings, forcing difficult trade-offs between spending on education and essential repairs.
The NAHT argues that this reflects a systemic problem rather than isolated cases, with school leaders often forced into short-term fixes instead of long-term planning.
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