School closed after roof damaged in storm

King James Academy said it had suffered "significant flooding" after its roof was battered by Storm Henk

Pupils have been unable to return from the Christmas break after their secondary school was damaged by Storm Henk.

King James Academy in Royston, Hertfordshire, was closed to Years 7 to 11 because of a damaged roof that led to flooding.

Pupils have been told to stay at home and were being taught online, although Year 11 have been told to return on Tuesday.

The school posted on Facebook and said: "Whilst this is not the first day that we envisioned for our Senior Students, we are working hard on site."

It also said its phone lines and server were "down" on Monday.

"The partial closure of our school is not made lightly, but the safety and well-being of our pupils is always our number one priority," a school statement said.

'Significant flooding'

In a letter to parents on Friday, the school said: “Despite all of the hard work by contractors to make remedial repairs, following the unprecedented amount of rain that fell yesterday, we have now experienced significant flooding.

“Consequently, in the interests of the safety of staff and students, we are unable to open for Years 7-11.”

Pupils were set online school work in core subjects.

The Academy posted an update on Monday to say that Year 11 students could return to school on Tuesday, but that Years 7-10 would continue learning remotely for the rest of the week.

The primary school part of the academy was able to remain open for Years 5 and 6.