Staff at a Colchester secondary school have been forced to send pupils home today (Wednesday, January 3) after hot water and heating failed at the building.
Parents of students at Colchester Academy, in Hawthorn Avenue, Greenstead, were contacted to inform them, with children being sent home once parental permission is given.
Youngsters were not sent home until parents or carers had been informed.
Headteacher Fiona Pierson said that the closure was unavoidable.
In a message to parents she wrote: “I am writing to inform you that Colchester Academy currently has no heating or hot water.
“As such I cannot operate the school safely or hygienically, I am therefore required to close the site.”
She added: “I would like to thank all the parents and staff for their support and patience today.”
Deputy headteacher Caroline Woodburn said an engineer was on site working to resolve the problem, and the school will re-open as usual tomorrow (Thursday).
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