The BBC investigation discovered that a range of building faults across schools in the city were linked to the liquidation of a private finance initiative (PFI) contractor responsible for their refurbishment. Laboratories, lecture halls and administrative areas lacked proper insulation and had gaps in glazing, leading to cold drafts that caused pupils to shiver during exams. The contractor’s collapse halted all scheduled work, leaving classrooms in urgent need of ribbing, window sealing and roof repairs that were never completed.

_2_ The absence of finished infrastructure is not isolated to one site; multiple schools reported faulty fire doors, compromised stairwell enclosures and deteriorating HVAC systems. Local authorities quickly declared the repairs an emergency, but the cost of completing the unfinished work exceeded the budget originally set in the PFI agreement. The Department for Education has increased scrutiny of such contracts, noting the risk of insolvency and the impact on student safety when projects are abandoned mid‑term.

_3_ In response, the city council is exploring alternative funding routes, including emergency budget reallocations and soliciting private donations. The incident raises questions about the long‑term viability of PFI schemes for public infrastructure and may prompt legislative review to ensure that future contracts prioritize complete delivery and early completion clauses, safeguarding that educational environments remain safe and functional.