New schools lack sprinkler systems

Almost half of England’s new school buildings are not fitted with fire safety sprinkler systems, according to new research.

Figures obtained by the BBC show that 43% of schools re-built or refurbished under Building Schools for the Future lack sprinklers in spite of government guidance that the equipment should be fitted in almost all new schools. Around 20 schools are destroyed or damaged by fire every week.

The Chief Fire Officers Association is calling for the government to make sprinklers mandatory in all new school buildings.