A school constructed under the previous Conservative government's Priority School Building Programme (PSBP) faces an extended closure due to structural issues. Built in 2016 and costing £14.6 million, the facility was shut down this week after engineers discovered significant cracks in the building. Initially expected to remain closed for at least six months, further inspections have now extended this timeframe to six to nine months, at a minimum. The Cheviot Learning Trust, which manages the school, has prioritized the safety of its students and staff throughout this challenging period.
Engineers deemed the building "not safe to continue operating," leading to an immediate halt in school activities. Students received notice that they would not be able to return until at least March 3rd. The news has significantly impacted the local community, especially concerning for students preparing for their GCSE and A-Level examinations. The Cheviot Learning Trust, led by head Alice Witherow, has been actively communicating with parents and staff to keep them informed and address their concerns.
Meetings will be scheduled after the half-term break to update families and discuss measures moving forward. The anxiety among students in critical examination years is a primary concern. Ms. Witherow has emphasized that "the safety of our pupils and staff is our top priority," expressing confidence in the school community's ability to navigate these difficulties.
"I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the parents, staff, and community members for their continued support during this challenging time," said Ms. Witherow.
"The safety of our pupils and staff is our top priority, and while this situation is difficult, I am confident in the strength of our school community to navigate through it," she added.
The school's construction under a now-withdrawn government programme has prompted questions about infrastructure safety and oversight. As families await more information, the situation underscores the importance of ensuring educational facilities meet stringent safety standards to protect students and staff.
