High school pupils sent home after 'major leak' causes power cut

Two year groups at a secondary school in Rochdale have been sent home after a 'major leak' caused a power cut. Nine classrooms at St Cuthbert's RC High have also been damaged following the leak over the weekend.

Pupils in years nine and 10 were sent home at 9.50am today (Monday) due to the 'healthy and safety risk'. Lessons will continue for the remainder of pupils as normal.

In a statement the Shaw Road school said: "It is with regret that we having to send Years 9 & 10 home at 9.50am today due to a major leak on our third floor over the weekend. This has caused power failure and damage to nine of our classrooms. Years 7, 8 and 11 will remain in school as normal.

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"Due to the health and safety risk this now poses, as we are unable to use the staircase on one side of the building to access the third floor, we have been advised to make the necessary steps to ensure the safety of all of our students and staff. We will continue to monitor the situation throughout the day and update you as soon as possible regarding Tuesday, November 28.

"If the situation has not been resolved, Years 7 & 8 will remain at home and Years 9, 10 & 11 will be in school as normal. Thank you for your support."