In 2025, the Greater Manchester Asbestos Victims Support Group (GMAVSG) obtained Freedom of Information data from councils in Greater Manchester on asbestos in schools.

Our 2025 report suggests that asbestos is present in around 80.2% (304 out of 379) of local authority maintained schools in Greater Manchester.

In 2013, figures obtained by the Manchester Evening News found that asbestos was present in around 86.6% (903 out of 1,043) state schools in Greater Manchester.

At this rate, many schools in Greater Manchester will still contain asbestos 100 years from now.

As our school buildings age, and reach the end of their intended lifespans, we urgently need to learn more about the risks to pupils and staff.

Read our 2025 report in full here.

Read responses of the 10 Greater Manchester councils to our Freedom of Information requests here.