The headteacher at an Oldham school said in a statement that the school will re-open after a fire broke out in the science lab in the afternoon of Wednesday (March 11). As a result, the school was shut for the rest of the week.
Newman RC college in Chadderton had to be evacuated and will re-open on Monday (March 16.) Three fire engines attended the incident at about 1.50pm, which involved a wooden work bench.
On Thursday, an eyewitness, who wishes to remain anonymous, said: “At 1:36pm yesterday, there was an electrical problem which caused the power to go off. A small amount of smoke was seen at the front of class, very shortly afterwards it was time to go to the next class when suddenly all the fire alarms went off.
“When the fire brigade arrived, they had to smash through the windows in the science lab because there was no other way to let the smoke escape. The teacher told us the hallways and classroom were flooded so no one was allowed back into the building.
“As it was an evacuation, a lot of people left behind their bags and other belongings in class. Now that school is closed until at least Monday, it has left a lot of students without their mobile phones and other items." The student said, "On Thursday afternoon we were told the school would remain shut on Friday.”
In an update, Mrs Philips, the headteacher added: "Following detailed inspections and safety checks carried out in line with guidance from the Fire and Rescue Service and our specialist contractors, I am pleased to confirm that the building has now been deemed safe to re-enter. All required checks to the electrical systems, gas supply, and fire safety systems have been completed.
She said ten of the affected classrooms are now safe and operational and will be ready for use when the college reopens.
"Unfortunately, one classroom will remain closed at this time, which is the science laboratory where the fire originated. Further specialist work will be required in this room before it can be brought back into use," the statement added.
"I would like to take this opportunity to thank parents and carers for the support, patience and understanding you have shown during this incident. We appreciate that the temporary closure of the college will have caused inconvenience for many families, and we are grateful for the way the community has supported the college while we ensured the site was fully safe."
The headteacher added that the college will re-open at 8:30am on Monday (March 16 ) for all pupils.
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