A SECONDARY school in Basingstoke will reopen after a recent gas leak forced the school to shut on its first day back in 2024.

As previously reported, Cranbourne school sent a letter to parents confirming that the school will stay closed on Tuesday, January 2 - which was supposed to be the first day back for pupils - after a gas leak was discovered in December. 

The school was closed following the discovery on Thursday, December 14, with the school subsequently shutting for the Christmas break on Friday, December 15.

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The notice of the continued closure was sent to parents and put on the school's website on Thursday, December 28, with no confirmation if students will be returning on Wednesday, January 3.

The school has now posted an update on its website to confirm it will reopen on Wednesday, January 3.

A letter from headteacher Sarah Conlon said: "As I said in my last letter, it was disappointing not to open on the first day of term, but I am very pleased to confirm the school will be fully open on Wednesday, January 3.

Contractors have been on site this morning, and we have just received confirmation that the issues with the gas have now been resolved. The boilers are back on and working hard supplying us with heating, hot water and enabling cooking facilities to function.

"Students should return to school for an 8.30am start in full school uniform and will resume their normal timetables.

"I appreciate your patience and support in dealing with this unforeseen issue and look forward to seeing everyone tomorrow morning."

Education authority Hampshire County Council had said that while the leak at the school had been fixed, a second had been found 'outside the school's infrastructure'.

A council spokesperson said: “Cranbourne College identified a gas leak at the end of last term, and closed for the holidays a day earlier than scheduled.

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"County council contractors were able to fix the leak very quickly during the holidays, but they also discovered another leak, outside the school’s infrastructure.

“Meanwhile we are supporting the school to ensure that pupils have appropriate arrangements to start the term by remote learning.”

A Year 11 parents' evening due to be held at the school on Wednesday, January 3 has already been postponed.