Asbestos in Schools
Asbestos is still found in many UK schools built in the 20th century and can pose a serious health risk if disturbed. If you have been exposed to asbestos and developed an illness, you might be able to claim compensation.
At Hodge Jones & Allen, we understand an asbestos disease diagnosis can feel worrying and uncertain, especially as the exposure most likely happened many years ago due to the usual long period between exposure and first symptoms developing. However, you don’t have to deal with this on your own – we’re here to listen and help you understand your options.
• Experienced law firm with two Partners having over 25 years’ experience each behind them of working on asbestos claims
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“The asbestos team at Hodge Jones & Allen is both experienced and very effective with a great track record of acting for claimants in relation to asbestos-related injuries.” – Legal 500, 2025
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0330 822 3451What is asbestos?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral made up of tiny fibres. It was widely used in construction of school buildings because it’s durable and heat-resistant.
Although its use in the UK was fully banned in 1999, many older school buildings still contain asbestos materials. According to the British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS), asbestos is still present in 83% of state schools in England.
In most cases, asbestos is only dangerous if it’s damaged or disturbed, meaning the fibres can float about and be breathed in. When it’s properly managed and left intact, the risk is significantly reduced.
How was asbestos used in schools?
Asbestos was used in a range of ways commonly found in schools, including:
- Spray coatings on steelwork, walls and ceilings
- Insulation around pipework, boilers and air ducts
- Insulation boards used in heating systems
- Ceiling tiles
- Corrugated roofing panels
- Gutters and pipes
- Toilet cisterns
- Partitioning used to create temporary classrooms
- Vinyl flooring.
Asbestos was chosen for its fire resistance and durability.
What risk does asbestos pose in schools?
Asbestos becomes a risk when it’s disturbed or damaged. When this happens, tiny fibres can be released into the air and breathed in.
In school settings, certain factors can increase this risk. For example, poor structural maintenance or vandalism might make it more likely that asbestos-containing materials are disturbed.
If fibres are inhaled, they can remain in the body for a long time. This can lead to serious health conditions, including:
- Mesothelioma – an aggressive cancer often affecting the lining of the lungs and more rarely the lining of the abdomen, heart or testicles
- Lung cancer – a serious, often critical illness that can be linked to asbestos exposure
- Asbestosis – scarring of the lungs that can affect breathing
- Diffuse pleural thickening – thickening of the lung lining, which can make breathing difficult.
These conditions usually take decades to develop after exposure. This delay can make it harder to identify the cause and can feel especially concerning if you’re affected by symptoms affecting your everyday life.
Children today who are being exposed to asbestos in schools may face additional long-term risk because they have a longer life expectancy, meaning there’s more time for asbestos-related conditions to develop later in life. The Committee on Carcinogenicity, in independent committee that advises the Government on cancer, advised that a five-year-old is five times more likely to develop mesothelioma than an adult of 30 if they are exposed to asbestos at the same time.
Who is liable for asbestos exposure in schools?
Responsibility for managing asbestos in schools usually sits with the person or organisation in control of maintenance activities for the building. This is often referred to as the ‘duty holder’. In simple terms, the duty holder is responsible for making sure any asbestos risks are properly identified, monitored and managed.
Several laws set out these responsibilities, including:
- The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, which requires employers to protect the health, safety and welfare of staff and others
- The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, which place duties on organisations to assess and manage risks
- The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, which define duty holders as anyone responsible for maintaining or repairing non-domestic premises under a contract or tenancy, or, where none exists, anyone who controls those premises.
These laws ensure that anyone responsible for a school takes reasonable steps to reduce the risk of asbestos exposure and protect those using the building.
What are the duty holder’s responsibilities for asbestos in schools?
If a building contains asbestos, the duty holder is responsible for making sure any risks are identified and safely managed. In practice, this means putting a clear plan in place and taking practical steps to manage asbestos materials. Duty holders are expected to:
- Prepare a written asbestos management plan, setting out how risks will be handled
- Explain decisions clearly, including why certain actions (such as removal or encapsulation) have been chosen
- Set priorities and timescales for any work that needs to be carried out
- Monitor the condition of materials that remain in place
- Make responsibilities clear, so staff understand their role
- Provide information and training, including for any contractors who work on the building
- Regularly review and update the plan
- Have procedures in place for emergencies.
It’s also important that anyone who could come into contact with asbestos has the right information. This includes staff, contractors and emergency services, who should all be made aware of where asbestos is located and its condition.
If asbestos materials are already damaged or disturbed, duty holders should take immediate steps to make the area safe. They should also put systems in place to prevent asbestos from being disturbed in the future.
Where these duties aren’t met, school staff or pupils may be exposed to asbestos without being properly informed or protected.
Can I claim compensation for asbestos exposure in a school?
Yes, if you’ve developed an asbestos-related illness after exposure in a school, either from when you worked in a school environment or even studied there as a student you may be able to claim compensation.
We understand this can feel unsettling, especially as asbestos-related conditions often take decades to appear. You might not be sure what to do next, and that’s completely okay.
In most cases, you have three years to start a claim. This usually runs from the date you were diagnosed, rather than when the exposure happened.
You don’t have to figure this out on your own. We’re here to listen and support you at your own pace. If you’d like to talk things through, get in touch with our solicitors on 0330 822 3451. We can explain your options clearly and calmly – with no obligation to go any further than feels right for you.
Why choose HJA to support you after asbestos exposure in a school?
If you’re considering making a claim after asbestos exposure, you might be feeling uncertain about who to trust or what to do next. At Hodge Jones & Allen, we’re here to support you with care, understanding and clear guidance, so you don’t have to face this alone.
Support you can count on
We’re proud to be rated ‘Excellent’ on Trustpilot, and we have decades of experience supporting people affected by industrial disease and workplace illness, including asbestos exposure in schools.
Regulated, accredited experts
Hodge Jones & Allen is regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, and our solicitors are members of the Law Society. So, you can feel confident your claim will be handled with professionalism, care and attention to the highest standards.
Independently recognised
Our work is recognised by independent legal directories including Chambers and Partners and the Legal 500, and our asbestos solicitors are acknowledged as experts in asbestos claims by the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL).
Client-centred approach
Our asbestos and mesothelioma client stories reflect the care and commitment we bring to every case. From your first conversation with us, you’ll receive a sensitive, personal service focused on helping you through what can be a challenging time.
No win, no fee – and no added pressure
We handle asbestos claims on a no win, no fee basis, so there’s no financial risk in starting a claim. Unlike some other law firms, we do not deduct any legal fees from compensation recovered in asbestos-related claims. This means you can focus on your health and your family, without worrying about unexpected fees.
Can I claim if the exposure happened many years ago?
Yes, you can still make a claim.
Asbestos-related illnesses often take decades to develop, so the three-year time limit usually starts from when you’re diagnosed, rather than when the exposure in school took place.
There are exceptions to the three-year rule, and you may still be able to claim if this time limit has already passed – so it’s worth getting in touch with our team for a free, no-obligation chat.
What evidence do I need to support an asbestos exposure claim?
The evidence needed for your claim depends on your situation, but could include:
- Medical records confirming diagnosis
- Employment or school history
- Witness statements
- Information about asbestos in the building.
You don’t need to gather this yourself – we can help you build a clear picture of what happened.
How long does an asbestos claim take?
It’s hard to say how long a claim might take because each one is different. Some cases are resolved more quickly, while others may take longer – particularly if legal blame is disputed.
If you get in touch for a free, no-obligation consultation, our team will explain how long the process is likely to take, based on the specific details of your case.
If you decide to go ahead with your claim, we’ll keep you informed throughout the process, so you always know what’s happening and what to expect.
Will I have to go to court?
Most asbestos claims are settled without the need to attend court.
If a court hearing is required, we’ll guide and support you every step of the way, explaining things clearly so you feel prepared and reassured. The issuing of court proceedings does not mean a final court hearing will take place as the majority of cases will settle before that point.
How much compensation could I receive?
The amount of compensation you could receive depends on factors such as:
- The type and severity of your illness
- The impact on your daily life
- Financial losses you’ve already incurred and that you’re likely to incur in the future.
We’ll explain what you may be able to claim for and support you in securing the best possible outcome.
How much does it cost to make a claim?
We handle asbestos claims on a no win, no fee basis. This means there’s no financial risk in starting a claim.
Unlike some other law firms, we don’t deduct any legal fees from compensation recovered in asbestos-related claims.
We’ll explain everything clearly at the outset, so you feel comfortable and informed before moving forward.
For more information, read our article about legal costs in asbestos claims.
