MPs criticised a “shocking” lack of detail provided by ministers on the crumbling concrete crisis in schools yesterday as they warned about the state of classroom buildings.

In a report by the Public Accounts Committee, MPs said “unacceptable numbers of pupils are learning in poorly maintained or potentially unsafe buildings” in England.

The cross-party panel said the school estate had “deteriorated to the point where an alarming 700,000 pupils are learning in a school that needs major rebuilding or refurbishment,” a factor that was “ultimately limiting their educational achievements.”