Hundreds of pupils sent home due to unsafe building

Churchill Community College has closed to Years 7 to 9 over building safety concerns

Almost 600 pupils at a North Tyneside school have been sent home due to safety concerns with a building.

Churchill Community College in Wallsend told parents the students would need to stay at home until February half-term.

The issues are not RAAC-related but the scale of the problem will not be known until full structural inspections have taken place.

Head teacher Paul Johnson said: “The safety of our pupils and our staff team is always our first priority."

Free school meals

The mixed secondary school teaches students between the ages of 11 and 18 and is part of the North Tyneside Learning Trust.

Pupils in Years 10, 11, 12 and 13 are able to use an unaffected building for face-to-face learning, Mr Johnson said.

"I know this week will be difficult for many parents," Mr Johnson said in a letter.

"Our brilliant teaching staff have ensured that everyone’s education can continue, and we now have provision in place for lessons through Google Classroom and access to free school meals continues."

Mr Johnson added a survey of the school was carried out in 2020 which confirmed the building was not built with RAAC (reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete).

It is not known when pupils in Years 7 to 9 will return.

Steven Phillips, who sits on North Tyneside Council's cabinet, said: "Keeping children educated is a priority for us, and school closures are always a last resort.

"Our position is clear though - we must do everything we can to ensure everyone is safe while at school."