£10,000s raised for Wells school as community unites amid concrete crisis
The Blue School has had one of its buildings condemned because inspectors found cracks in the concrete
Tens of thousands of pounds have been raised in just a matter of days, after a parent set up a fundraiser in support of a local Somerset school currently being marred by concrete issues.
Since the middle of the festive period, the Kennion Building at the site's been condemned after a structural inspection found there to be cracks in the ceilings and walls.
The headteacher has since been working hard with local partners, Somerset Council, the Wells MP and the Department for Education to find a solution to their crisis - which you can read more about here.
When the school returned from the Christmas break, parents were told some year groups had to stay at home and learn at home whilst experts assessed the best course of action whilst the school waits for the temporary classroom provision to be put in place.
In a letter to parents last week (January 24), Mark Woodlock expressed his deep compassion for the local community, which has since come together in support of the school.
They've had offers from locals, businesses - and have even been awarded £10,000 from Glastonbury Festivals ahead of the installation of the temporary structure, which would mean all pupils can return.
In an emotional letter, which you can read in full here, Mark said: "Something extraordinary has happened. Beyond the experiences that I have had in the 12 years serving as a headteacher. Beyond the expectations that I think we hold of what can be achieved.
"It is about 7 years since I was interviewed for this role at The Blue. Being interviewed over three days, you’re asked lots of questions from many different people. Funnily enough, nobody ever asked what you would do if there were a national lockdown, or you lose a close member of staff, or your buildings start falling down. These things are presumed not to happen.
"I have so desperately wanted this community to feel proud of its school. We are the school of Wells and this area, and we belong to this community. That is a feature that is so hard to measure. Until this moment.
A parent wrote to me in the summer after the trauma of the first lockdown in 2020. Her words have stayed with me from that time and seem appropriate to repeat here, ‘Can I just say thank you all, although that is nowhere near enough."
Speaking to Greatest Hits Radio, the headteacher told us it's something he never imagined happening during his tenure - but he's been truly heart-warmed with just how much the community have rallied around them.
Mark said: "What has happened since the fundraiser has been simply phenomenal. The page has exploded, and most of the donations are from individuals. What's so heart-warming is seeing the community coming together in support of their school.
"I don't think I'd ever have envisaged I'd be leading a school where the building's falling down, but out of this negative has come a huge positive.
"It's the feeling of hope and support we've felt which has left me pretty speechless.
"It means so much to the staff here that they have the backing of the community - be that from alumni, relatives of current students, or even parents of prospective pupils... it's simply amazing."
500 students impacted
Currently, 20 classrooms have been condemned - meaning two year groups are off and instead learning remotely - something, sadly, these cohorts know all too well about.
Headteacher Mark Woodlock said: "We have to remember, this is the Covid generation. They have been used to adaptations throughout their education. That doesn't mean that this situation isn't dispiriting for them, however.
"Lots of the students are disappointed with missing out on the sheer social element of being in school.
"This is not a Covid situation, though. This is a short term measure until we can get other measures, like temporary classrooms, in place, which might not happen until Easter because of the current supply backlog."
They've taken over the original school building
Amid the crisis, they've had to get creative to make extra space for pupils - meaning from next week, just one year group will be off each week.
Mark added: "We've re-organised the entire school.
"For example, the school hall has been repurposed as a classroom, whilst Somerset Council has helped us with a building which ironically used to be the original school building 100 years ago.
"Alongside that, there's a significant amount of work going on behind the scenes to try and create these temporary classrooms."
The overwhelming support
Despite all of their issues, we're told the support from parents and carers has been really positive.
Mark said: "If somebody was an architect, they'd call up and ask how they can help - same with those who work in the National Grid...
"We had a mysterious parent who left us trays of donuts for the staff!
"We're extremely grateful to all offers of help - but what we also will do is make sure no student is disadvantaged in the long-term because of these issues."
The school tell us they're expecting to know in the coming weeks what the next steps will be - and will be updating parents via letter - which you can also access on their website.
You can also donate to the fundraiser in support of the school on this JustGiving page.