Wellington school to only open to some pupils on Monday after 'catastrophic' water leak

A main water pipe in the roof of Charlton School, in Apley Avenue, burst last week – and remained undiscovered for three days.

Andrew McNaughton. principal at the school, said the leak had caused significant damage to all three floors in the centre of the building.

As a result, only years 7, 10 and 11 pupils will be able to return to school after the end of the half term holidays.

In a letter sent out to parents yesterday, Mr McNaughton said: "Sadly, as you may have seen in the local media, the school has suffered a catastrophic water leak. This was from a main water pipe running in the roof of the school that had been leaking undiscovered for three nights after breaking up on Friday.

"Due to this there has been significant damage to the heart of the school on all three floors, including classrooms, office spaces, dining area, corridors and toilet facilities. We are still in the process of attempting to dry the affected areas, refitting plasterboard walls, roof tiles and flooring.

"Unfortunately, we are not in a position at this time to confidently assume that the school will be in a fit state to accommodate all students on Monday morning.

"For this reason, school will be open for students in years 11, 10 and 7 only."

Mr McNaughton apologised to parents of years 8 and 9 pupils for any convenience the partial closure may cause.

"This decision has been made as the health and safety of our school community remains paramount at this time," he said.

A decision on whether the school will fully reopen to all pupils will be made at 1pm on Monday, although it is hoped the necessary repairs will have been made by that time.

Those attending the school on Monday should make their way onto the school site by the bottom gate near to the sports hall.

They will go straight into an assembly where they will receive information about what to expect from the rest of the day.