Suffolk high school closed after asbestos discovered during building work
East Bergholt High is now trying to hire several temporary classrooms
Last updated 31st Oct 2022
A Suffolk high school has had to close today after asbestos was discovered during building work.
The hazardous materials were found during work to refurbish two science labs at East Bergholt High School.
An entire block at the school has had to be closed, putting 12 classrooms out of use for the foreseeable future.
In a statement posted online, the school said: "We are presently attempting to hire temporary classrooms so that all year groups can return to in-person lessons as soon as possible.
"We will keep you updated on our progress with this, however as a contingency some year groups may need to continue to access their lessons remotely from Tuesday 1 November.
"We will inform you as soon as possible which year groups will be affected so that you can plan accordingly."
A professional asbestos company has been called in to deal with the problem and school leaders say classrooms will only be reopened when it's safe to do so.
All year groups are learning online today, while Year 11 pupils will be expected to return to school tomorrow (November 1) to sit mock exams in an unaffected part of the building.
The school says it will be providing more information to parents within the next 48 hours.