‘SIGNIFICANT damage’ caused by burst pipes has forced an Oldbury secondary school to close its doors to pupils this week.

Perryfields High School was due to reopen on Wednesday after several classrooms were damaged it will remain totally closed until Thursday when it will partially open.

Headteacher Dai Meredith made the decision to close the school after surveying the damage.

He said: “Due to burst water pipes there has been significant damage to a number of classrooms at Perryfields.

“This has been further complicated because associated issues linked with electrics, computer system access, toilets and heating issues.”

He added: “Therefore after consultation with the chair of governors I have had to make the decision to close Perryfields on Wednesday, January 5 to all pupils.

“We will re-open on Thursday 6 th January at 8:45am for Years 8,10,11,12 and 13, who will have lessons as normal.”

However, ‘due to limited facilities’ years seven and nine will not be able to return on Thursday.

Mr Meredith said: “It is to early to predict when we will be fully operational and therefore we may have to organise a rota for lower school year groups over the coming days.

“As soon as I have a full picture and health and safety assurances from the relevant advisors I will be able to give all parents and pupils a full update.”

He added: “My apologies for the inconvenience and disruption that this will inevitably cause. I can assure you that both myself and staff will be doing everything possible to return the school to normal working conditions as soon as possible.“ For more information about the situation at the school visit www.perryfieldshigh.sandwell.sch.uk.