Thousands of pupils may have to start term online as over 100 schools affected by crumble-risk concrete

The guidance from the Department for Education was sent to 156 schools and colleges just days before the start of the new school year. Photograph: Ben Birchall/PA

Thousands of pupils in England may have to begin the autumn term taking lessons remotely or in temporary buildings after the government ordered more than 100 schools to immediately shut buildings made with aerated concrete that is liable to sudden collapse.

The order from the Department for Education was sent to 156 schools, school nurseries and further education colleges on Thursday, plunging the start of the new academic year into chaos for teachers and pupils.