School permanently closed over structural damage

A primary school has been permanently closed after structural engineers found cracking and wall movement around the site.

Mowbray Primary School in Stakeford, Northumberland, which has about 250 pupils, shut early for Christmas to allow a thorough inspection of the building.

Headteacher Andrew Miller said students would be sent to other schools in the area while Foundry House in Bedlington was repurposed, but work could take several weeks.

Northumberland County Council said transport would be arranged each day.

"While we have secured the use of Foundry House in Bedlington which can be quickly repurposed into a large school accommodation for Mowbray to move into, this will take several weeks to complete," a council spokesperson said.

Alternative schools will cater for whole class groups so children will not be split up or have to access remote learning from home.

Mr Miller said school leaders, the governing body and the county council had worked throughout the Christmas period to find a solution for all the children.

He said: "The structural engineer advised us in the last week of the term that further detailed surveys and investigations need to be undertaken across the whole site.

"The report from the engineer has been received and states that cracking and wall movement is now widespread and progressive and has accelerated over recent weeks and days.

"As such he can no longer confirm that the school building is safe to operate for students, staff and visitors."

The headteacher said the school would use two teacher training days on 5 and 6 January to prepare the alternative locations for classes.