A Suffolk college included in the government's list of schools affected by aerated concrete has said remedial works have been completed. 

Thurston Community College was one of five schools across Suffolk included in the list released by the government this afternoon.

The school has since confirmed that work to repair affected areas has been completed. 

On Thursday, the government told more than 100 schools across the country to close buildings containing aerated concrete which is prone to collapse. 

The Department for Education had refused to publish a list of the schools affected, but it has today published a list of the schools where reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) is present. 

Hadleigh High School, Farlingaye High School, Claydon High School and East Bergholt High School were already confirmed as schools where RAAC was present

The list released by the Government today shows that Thurston College had also been affected. 

Principal at the college Nicki Mattin said: "It was identified in 2018 that Thurston Community College had two areas that were constructed using RAAC, at that time measures were taken to strengthen the roof.

"Following a survey at the beginning of this year it was recommended that further remedial works be undertaken.

"The two areas in question were immediately closed and work has been undertaken to further strengthen the roof and mitigate the issues.  

"The work was completed and signed off as being safe for us to use at the end of the summer holidays.

"Our newly refurbished English block is now being enjoyed by our students."

Education Secretary, Gillian Keegan, said: “I know this is the last way parents, teachers and children affected by this wanted to begin the new term, but it will always be my priority to ensure the safety of pupils and staff.    

“Thanks to the hard work of schools, colleges, councils, diocese and academy trusts, the majority of settings where RAAC has been confirmed have opened to all pupils for the start of term. 

“We will continue to support all impacted settings in whatever way we can, whether that’s through our team of dedicated caseworkers or through capital funding to put mitigations in place.  

“We are also expediting surveys and urging all responsible bodies to tell us what they know about RAAC, so we can be confident that settings are safe and supported.”