The damning condemnation of the state of school buildings comes in the wake of the Government’s decision to dump the £55bn BSF programme.

Results of a survey by the Teacher Support Network and the British Council for School Environments showed that only 74.3% of teachers described their school as “effective” or “adequate” at “providing an effective learning environment”.

The figure was an improvement compared to 67.7% in 2007, suggesting that building investment had made a positive impact on teachers, but more work is required.

One teacher said: “We currently have 250 more students in our school than we were designed to accommodate.”

Julian Stanley, Chief Executive of Teacher Support Network said: “In spite of the current funding climate, we hope that resources will be found in the years ahead to ensure that modern and well equipped schools continue to be commissioned in order to repair and replace those school buildings that need updating across the country.”

Ty Goddard, Chief Executive of BCSE, added: “The survey shows school environments matter. Money invested in school buildings is an investment in teachers and children, not a wasted luxury. We need professional environments which support our teachers to do their jobs.”