Tilbury Douglas completes landmark RAAC-free school rebuild for Department for Education

Tilbury Douglas has successfully delivered a multi-million-pound rebuild of St John’s Catholic Primary School, marking a significant milestone in the UK’s efforts to remove Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) from the education estate.

Delivered on behalf of the Department for Education, the project is the first school completed under the government’s School Rebuilding Programme specifically designed to permanently eliminate RAAC.

The scheme represents a major step forward in improving the safety and longevity of school buildings across England, many of which have been impacted by the structural risks associated with RAAC.

Complex demolition and rebuild

Working in close collaboration with the Health and Safety Executive and its supply chain partners, Tilbury Douglas developed a specialist methodology to safely demolish the existing structure, which was heavily affected by both RAAC and asbestos.

The project has delivered a brand-new, two-storey school building that will serve the local community for generations.

Net zero carbon learning environment

Designed by Noviun Architects, the new facility provides more than 200 pupil places for children aged 4 to 11.

The building has been delivered as net zero carbon in operation, incorporating:

• Natural ventilation systems

• A bio-solar roof

• Extensive photovoltaic canopy

These features support long-term sustainability goals while creating a modern, future-ready learning environment.

Supporting the next generation

Beyond construction, the project delivered strong social value outcomes.

Pupils were invited onto site throughout the build to engage with the process and better understand construction, while two T Level students completed nine-week placements focused on design, surveying and planning.

Tilbury Douglas also worked with its supply chain to support the local community, including a donation to Rickmansworth Foodbank and engagement with the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity to promote wellbeing across the workforce.

Driving the national rebuilding programme

The completion of St John’s Catholic Primary School highlights the government’s commitment to upgrading the education estate and removing unsafe materials from schools.

With more projects set to follow, schemes like this are setting the benchmark for safe, sustainable and future-proofed education infrastructure across the UK.