Newark School delays start of term until next week

A type of concrete prone to collapse has been found in some areas

Author: Julie CastonPublished 4th Sep 2023
Last updated 4th Sep 2023

Holy Trinity Catholic Primary School in Newark won't open to pupils this week. It's after the school has confirmed that RAAC is present in certain areas.

These have been identified as mainly low and medium risk but a change to the Government's guidance means those buildings can't be used until basic work is carried out.

Therefore the school won't reopen for the new term until a week today (September 11th).

When it does some students will be taught in temporary classrooms.

The school says the process of making those areas safe is already underway.

The Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Multi-Academy Trust has released the following statement:

"The priority for the Trust is to ensure the safety and well-being of all children and staff in our schools. Holy Trinity Catholic Primary School in Newark has some areas of the school where RAAC is present. These had been identified as mainly low and medium risk, but the Government has changed its guidance and told us that these areas should not be used until remedial works have been completed.

"The Headteacher and Trust staff have been working tirelessly to ensure that term can start with the minimum disruption possible. With a combination of temporary classrooms and use of the next-door Parish Centre at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, we will be able to have all children in school in completely safe accommodation. We have had to delay the start of the term until Monday 11 September to allow for the necessary changes.

"We have already started the process of making these areas safe and will do all we can to reduce the impact on children’s education, whilst ensuring that everyone remains safe."

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