Drains issue closes school for all except Year 11

Temporary toilets and washrooms are being installed at a school which has had to close for Years 7-10 because its drains are blocked.

Smithdon High School in Hunstanton, Norfolk, has been shut for two days because of the problem, which began on Friday.

Staff said Year 11 students sitting their GCSE exams were "the priority" and they had been able to come in.

Work was under way to try to find out what caused the blockage, and to install the temporary facilities at the school, which has 600 pupils and staff. The school was expected to reopen to all years on Wednesday.

In a statement, Craig Jansen, executive head teacher with the West Norfolk Academies Trust (WNAT) that runs Smithdon, said: "Our team has been working tirelessly over the weekend and into this week alongside all concerned parties to resolve the problem as quickly as possible.

"At present, the blockage prevents the removal of waste water, meaning we do not have normal use of the school's toilet facilities."

The ongoing problems with the drains meant the kitchen would remain closed.

Pupils were being asked to bring packed lunches, and arrangements were in place to provide them for pupils entitled to a free school meal.

WNAT is in charge of 11 primary and secondary schools across the county.

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