Responding to a new National Audit Office report revealing a huge backlog in maintenance of public buildings, including £13.8bn for schools, Paul Whiteman, general secretary at school leaders’ union NAHT, said:

“This damning report should serve as a timely reminder to the new government of the need to go further and faster in ensuring all school buildings are safe and fit for purpose.

“We frequently hear from school leaders of the unacceptable conditions with which pupils and staff are having to contend - from crumbly concrete to leaking roofs, draughty portable cabins and school dinners being served in corridors.

“The funding announced in the autumn Budget was a welcome start, but the Treasury admitted it would only get the existing inadequate 10-year rebuilding programme, which is only supposed to benefit around 50 schools a year, back on track.

“Returning the school estate to at least a satisfactory condition and setting out a major long-term school rebuilding programme must be top priorities for government investment in the spring spending review.

“It's vital that the ongoing national condition survey is completed without delay so the government has a more accurate picture of the funding needed."