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Staff at a Derby school say they have been devastated after a large fire that has destroyed most of the building.
New images released by the Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service show classrooms at St Mary’s Catholic Voluntary Academy severely burned from the fire, which broke out shortly before 6 a.m.
Firefighters and police remain on site this afternoon with Broadway at Darley Abbey still closed.
An investigation into the cause of the fire is underway.
You can follow updates and how we covered the fire this morning here.
(Image: Gavin Tomlinson / Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service)
The school, part of the St Ralph Sherwin Catholic Multi Academy Trust, has described the fire as devastating, and students are now willing to spend more time outside the classroom after being absent during the coronavirus pandemic.
Sean McClafferty, Executive Director of St Ralph Sherwin Catholic Multi Academy Trust, said: “The fire that broke out at St Mary’s in the early hours of Saturday has caused extensive damage to the building. As a result, it is not safe for staff and students to enter.
“The school will be closed starting Monday and we are implementing plans for learning at home starting Tuesday of this week and the school has been in contact with all staff and parents / caregivers to inform them of this. We are discussing provision for students in the future and will contact families as soon as possible to let them know what our plans are.
“As a Trust, we are working closely with St Mary’s, the Diocese of Nottingham, the local authority and emergency services. The fire service is conducting an investigation to determine the cause of the fire.
“Our thoughts are with our school community at this incredibly difficult time and we will do everything we can to support all those affected.”
Amanda Greaves, executive director of St Mary’s, added, “We are absolutely devastated and want to assure our staff, parents and families that we are still a community and that we will get through this together.”
The school’s statement came after Gavin Tomlinson, a fire chief for the Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service, tweeted heartbreaking images of the aftermath of the fire.
He said on Twitter: “Another devastating school fire, total loss of the building despite the fantastic efforts of the @DerbyshireFRS.
“We need to protect vital buildings like this with sprinklers.”
Residents living nearby said they were devastated by the tragic events this morning.
Alex Baxter said: “I am devastated. My brother used to go to school and he loved being there. It is terrible news, sad for the community.”
Darley Ward Councilman Martin Repton described the events as “a sad day for Derby.”
He said: “I am shocked and saddened by the fire on Saturday.
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“Now we must all work to minimize the negative impact that this terrible fire will have on education and the daily lives of the 300 students.
“We must put in place immediate plans so that these children have a place where they can continue their schooling.”
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