A school year's fresh start has been dramatically disrupted! Gilbert Ward Academy in Blyth, Northumberland, is facing an unexpected hurdle: it will remain closed on Monday and Tuesday due to significant flooding. The culprit? A leaky boiler that sprung a leak over the Christmas break.
Operated by the Prosper Learning Trust, this free school caters to students aged 11-16 with a range of needs, including social, emotional, and mental health challenges, as well as autism. A spokesperson from the trust has confirmed that parents have been notified.
But here's where it gets interesting... Staff will be assessing the damage on Monday, January 5th, to determine the plan for the rest of the week. The school explained that the leak occurred while the building was unoccupied and was only discovered on Boxing Day when the alarms were triggered.
Did you know? Gilbert Ward Academy, which has a capacity for 80 students, was newly constructed in 2023 on the grounds of the former Princess Louise First School. It's named after Dr. Gilbert Ward, a key figure in establishing Blyth's first hospital and known for his care of survivors from the New Hartley pit disaster.
Adding to the concern... Mowbray Primary School in Stakeford will also remain closed due to structural concerns, specifically cracks found in the building.
What are your thoughts? Do you think schools should have better preventative measures in place to avoid such incidents? Share your opinions in the comments below!
