School Closure - 10 March 2023

Dear Parents/Carers,

I have, once again, taken the difficult decision to close the school today due to the weather overnight and the warning that is still currently in place. It is a decision I have not taken lightly, and I hope it proves to be the correct one.

As a reminder, the decision to open or close the school is not an easy one. Indeed, my view is that I am unlikely to get it right for everyone and that is the reason I worry so much about these things. Regardless, my decision is always be based around 5 key questions:

• Is the site safe
• Are the main roads clear to the extent that staff and students (buses) can travel safely
• Will there be enough staff to look after the students throughout the day
• What is the forecast telling us about the day ahead
• Can everyone get home safely

At the moment our site is unsafe. The roads and paths are treacherous making travel to school a major issue for students and staff.

We have issued work for students to keep them busy and would remind all exam classes to utilise them time to good effect with learning from their mock exams and revision. I was delighted with the interactions between lots of staff and students in exam classes and others yesterday and am thrilled that so many have used the time away from school so productively. 

I want to, again, sincerely apologise for the impact my decision will undoubtedly have on our students and families. I am grateful for the overwhelming support received yesterday but as always please get in touch if you would like to discuss the matter with me directly.

Take care.

Simon Wade, Headteacher