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About half the school buildings in the UK are constructed using a building system. Most of the system built schools were constructed in the 60’s and 70’s.

 

Contractors and Local Authorities developed the systems. The latter formed Consortia to develop their own building systems. The Local Authority systems had names such as CLASP CLAW, SCOLA, Method, Onward MACE and SEAC. Only the CLASP Consortium is still active, now operating through Scape System Build Ltd.

 

The Consortium systems were based on permanent construction techniques and designed to last 60 years.

 

CLASP has evolved over time and today commonly uses brickwork and composite cladding, sheeted or tiled curved and pitched roofs. The system, designed originally for schools, is now used for an extensive range of public buildings.

 

Maintaining and extending a Local Authority system building need not be expensive, but you do need to seek experienced technical advice.

 

The systems tended to be built using a steel frame. This gives opportunities for internal remodelling which may not be so easily achieved in buildings with load bearing walls.