School Closure - 9 March 2023

Dear Parents/Carers,

I have made the decision to close the school today due to the weather warning that is currently in place from 10am through to mid-morning tomorrow. It is a decision I have not taken lightly, and I hope it proves to be the correct one.

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

We utilise both the BBC and Met Office websites and it is often unhelpful that they portray two very different views of the weather we are likely to face. That is certainly the case currently. However, the more reliable source is the Met Office and the forecast on there is severe. I will continue to monitor the situation through the day and evening and hope to make a decision about tomorrow by early morning (5.30/6am).

We will email again in the next hour with 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 want to sincerely apologise for the impact my decision will undoubtedly have on our students and families. As always please get in touch if you would like to discuss the matter with me directly.

Take care.

Simon Wade, Headteacher