Schools are missing sprinkler systems

Almost half of new school buildings in England do not have fire safety sprinkler systems, according to figures obtained by the BBC.

Government guidance states that all schools should have them, but many local authorities are deciding not to fit them. Only 72 out of 127 new schools are fitted with sprinklers, according to government figures.

Chris Keates, general secretary of the NASUWT teachers’ union, said the figures illustrate a failure “to ensure that the new builds rectify problems of the past and are fully fit for purpose”.