Dear Parents and Carers

Many thanks for your continued support and patience during this week's unusual weather conditions.

Initially I closed the school because of concerns about roads and pavements, as most of our students walk or cycle to school -I also didn't want to put parents who drive to school at risk either.

The main roads seem to be much clearer, but the pavements still remain icy and our school site is a concern.

Our caretakers have been amazing and have gritted every day and worked really hard, however, the rain and sleet and further snowfall  washes away grit and freezing conditions have caused further ice on top of ice.

Our Facilities Management Company have promised to try and clear our school grounds overnight and offer the support they should have offered to our caretakers. I am especially concerned about our fire assembly point which is the Multi Use Games Area -currently like an ice rink, along with the yard and many of the outdoor paths.  If they manage to clear these, I will open school tomorrow (we are open in any case for the 6th formers taking external exams), however, I hope you will agree with me that a final decision cannot be taken until 6am tomorrow when I am reassured that the school site is safe for our students.

Please continue to check social media in the morning when a final decision will be posted.

Thanks for your patience -I have throughout, made reference to the Department for Education guidelines for schools on opening/closing during adverse weather conditions in an attempt to try and make the right decisions.

Kind regards

C Kelly