Hall reopens at Shipdham school affected by Raac collapse.

Norfolk’s only school which had to close part of its building due to falling concrete has opened its newly renovated school hall.

Reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac) was found earlier, at Thomas Bullock Primary Academy in Shipdham, near Dereham. Commencement of term in September 2023.

After deep cracks were discovered in the hall’s ceiling, it was confined for 16 months.

Headteacher Shannon O’Sullivan said he was “over the moon” now that the rebuilding work had been completed and the building was now safe.

“The hall is vibrant, bright white, flooded with light from the windows,” she added.

“We are happy that our children can be reunited as a whole community.”

The Diocese of Norwich Education and Academies Trust, which runs the school, said the building’s renovation work cost £663,000 – which has been repaid by the Department for Education (DfE).

The school was initially asked to close the hall on August 31, 2023 so that engineers could carry out safety checks.

They found the roof badly damaged, and deputy chief Nick Wade was shocked when he saw “cracks in it” up close.

“One of the construction team managed to break off only one piece with his bare hands,” he said.

“We suddenly felt, really glad that we were out of the hall and that we didn’t have children inside.”

After three months of lunchtimes, assemblies and sports lessons being confined to classrooms, a marquee was erected in the school playground.

But it came with its own challenges – climatically tight, and often too hot or too cold.

“When we were there for the assembly, we were all bumped together,” said Rosie, from Year 5.

“It was tough,” agreed fellow Year 5 pupil Harry, who was delighted that the hall was now back in use.

“We didn’t always have to do some PE that we wanted to do in the curriculum. It’s great that we can do gymnastics and all that again.”

Mrs O’Sullivan said the school was unable to hold open days – and some parents were concerned about the state of the building – with this year’s reception class short of 10 pupils.

Primary schools receive at least £4,610 per pupil – and with Thomas Bullock running classes up to Year 6 – he said the school would be £300,000 worse off over seven years.

“This is a great loss for our school,” she said.

“Obviously we have to make sure we budget for it appropriately.”

She said she was hopeful the DfE would provide additional financial support for the school.

The DFE has been asked to comment.