Dyce Academy will remain closed for the rest of the week after a fire broke out overnight.
Several rooms on the first floor of the Aberdeen school have suffered “extensive water and smoke damage” following the deliberate blaze, which started just before midnight and was put out by 60 firefighters.
Classes will be conducted online via Google Classroom and headteacher Katie Arthur is expected to update parents on Friday morning.
An investigation is ongoing but and meantime staff are unable to access the school grounds.
Aberdeen City Council’s chief education officer, Shona Milne, confirmed in a statement: “Council officers and the headteacher have not yet been able to gain access to the school building to fully assess the extent of the damage.
“They have been advised that the fire damage appears to be contained to a small number of rooms, however they expect there to be extensive smoke and water damage, and a need for repair work required before pupils and staff can return to the building.
“In order to fully assess and address the damage, and to ensure that utilities are fully operational, Council officers are working on the assumption that the school will be closed for the remainder of this week (Thursday 20 and February 21).
Parents of Dyce Academy pupils to receive update on Friday
“The situation will be reviewed tomorrow (Thursday 20 February).
“The headteacher will provide a formal update to parents, carers and school staff on the situation on Friday morning.
“All options to facilitate pupils’ learning from Monday are being considered.
“School Google Classrooms will be fully operational on Thursday 20 and Friday 21 February, and work will be posted to allow for online learning activities over these two days.
“Overview information will also be shared on Year Group Classrooms. Learners will be able to access this from their school Chromebook, or from their own devices using the online app or via the school website.”
Police investigate Dyce Academy fire
Police have been pictured outside Dyce Academy as they work to investigate the cause of the fire.
Pictures taken at the scene show several open top-floor windows as officers stand guard outside.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 12.15am on Wednesday, February 19, police were advised of a fire at Dyce Academy, Riverview Drive, Aberdeen.
“A multi-agency response was initiated and the fire has since been extinguished.
“Enquiries are ongoing into the cause of the fire.”
60 firefighters extinguished blaze at Dyce Academy
A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “We were alerted at 11.56pm on Tuesday, February 18, to reports of a building on fire at Riverview Drive, Dyce, Aberdeen.
“Operations Control mobilised six fire appliances and one height vehicle and approximately 60 firefighters extinguished a fire affecting the first floor of a three-storey building.
“There were no reported casualties and crews left after ensuring the area was made safe.”
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