School in the UK struggling to recover from 2024 flooding 

The Milestone School in Gloucester, which provides education for children with special needs aged three to sixteen, was significantly affected by torrential rainfall in September 2024. Water damage rendered one of its main buildings unusable, forcing the school to rely on a temporary two-storey classroom structure. The school has now applied to Gloucester City Council for permission to retain the emergency building for an additional two years, a clear indication of the scale and complexity of the ongoing recovery efforts. 

In their application, the school stated that the temporary facility was essential to ensure continuity of education on-site in an environment that is familiar and supportive for its students. The situation at Milestone is not an isolated case. On the same day in September, flash flooding forced multiple schools in the region—including Chosen Hill School in Churchdown and Tewkesbury CofE Primary School—to close, disrupting thousands of students and staff. 

While the immediate physical damage from flooding is often the most visible, the broader impacts are far-reaching. Damage to classrooms, teaching materials, and specialist equipment can take months, if not years, to repair or replace. For schools like Milestone, which cater to vulnerable students, the consequences can be even more profound. Disruption to routine and learning environments can lead to stress and anxiety among pupils, and put additional strain on teachers, families, and support staff. Beyond the emotional toll, schools also face major financial burdens, from the cost of repairs and temporary accommodation to the long-term implications of increased insurance premiums or reduced insurability. 

This case highlights the critical importance of proactive flood risk management and the role of early warning systems. At Previsico, we work to empower schools and other public institutions with the tools they need to prepare for and mitigate flood events before they cause irreversible damage. Early warning systems enable decision-makers to act quickly, protecting infrastructure, safeguarding health and safety, and ensuring that learning can continue with as little disruption as possible. 

With the increasing threat of extreme weather driven by climate change, stories like Milestone School’s are unfortunately becoming more common. But they also serve as a powerful reminder of what can be done differently. Investing in early warning systems, improving preparedness, and strengthening flood resilience are essential steps to protecting our schools, our communities, and the future of our children’s education.