Pupils return to fire-hit school

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The first pupils are set to return to a secondary school which was damaged by fire.

The 700-pupil Archbishop McGrath Catholic High School in Tondu, Bridgend county, was closed after the blaze in an arts block early last Wednesday.

The fire damaged a sports hall, changing rooms and a technology block.

The building has been declared safe for Year 11, 12 and 13 pupils to resume lessons on Monday and Year 7, 8, 9 and 10 pupils on Tuesday.

Staff are expected to meet the pupils at the front of the school on arrival on Monday.

A spokesperson for Bridgend council said: "Where necessary, some lessons will take place in mobile classrooms or at neighbouring Ynysawdre Comprehensive School which shares the site and is operating as normal.

"Teachers will keep students fully informed of any changes to their normal timetables."

Pupils returning on Tuesday are advised to go to their usual tutor rooms at the beginning of the day, unless directed elsewhere.

Education cabinet member Alana Davies said: "While the fire was very distressing and disruptive for all concerned, everyone has shown tremendous commitment and co-operation in making the school safe and accessible once again."

Gas cylinder

School governor Dennis Hooper added: "Our priority now is bringing the school community back together and delivering the highest standards of education.

"The teaching staff, led by acting head teacher Philip Manghan, will ensure that pupils can return to their day-to-day routines with minimal disruption."

The school, which is the main Catholic secondary school for the Bridgend area, draws pupils from as far as Porthcawl and Maesteg.

At the height of the fire around 40 firefighters were at the scene, with crews attending from Bridgend, Pencoed, Pontycymmer, Maesteg and Ogmore Vale.

Water bowsers from Barry and Pontypridd were also called in, along with a hydraulic platform from Cardiff and a breathing support unit from Tonypandy.

A cordon was put in place and the A4065 Bryn Road was closed in both directions after fears were raised over a gas cylinder on the site.