Recommendation 32

In written evidence, the London Fire Brigade expressed concern that many schools are continuing to be built, or are undergoing major refurbishment, without automatic fire suppression systems (such as sprinklers), contrary to the ‘expectation’ set out in Building Bulletin 100: Design for fire safety in schools, published in 2007.50 Zurich UK made a similar point, giving an example of a fire at a school in Derbyshire, where the cost of remedial work far exceeded the cost of a sprinkler system that would have saved the school.51 DfE told us that schools are typically considered as relatively low risk buildings, which is why sprinkler systems have typically not been installed. It explained that there is an ongoing consultation on school fire safety, including a suggestion that sprinkler systems should be mandated in residential blocks, special needs schools and blocks over 11 metres. However, DfE accepted that the cost of fitting sprinklers systems to new buildings is significantly lower than retrofitting them to existing buildings. It agreed to look again at its value for money calculations in this area.52 44 July 2023 session, Q 17 45 July 2023 session, Q 16 46 C&AG’s Report, para 2.10 47 C&AG’s Report, paras 3.3, 3.12–3.13 48 July 2023 session, Q 59 49 July 2023 session, Qq 56–57 50 TSB0006, London Fire Brigade, The condition of school buildings, 13 July 2023 51 TSB0004, Zurich UK, The condition of school buildings, 13 July 2023 52 July 2023 session, Qq 49–50 18 The condition of school buildings Delays in the School Rebuilding Programme