High school remains closed for another day as investigation continues into devastating fire on first day of term

A high school is to remain closed for another day as investigations into a fire that broke out on the first day of term continue.

The blaze tore through a classroom at the Dean Trust Ardwick Secondary School last Thursday night (January 4), prompting a huge emergency services response to attend the scene and cordon off Stockport Road as the flames were tackled.

Plumes of smoke could be seen escaping from windows on the third floor of the school building as police, fire crews and technical response units spent hours getting the fire under control.

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The fire, that broke out on the first day of the new term, then forced the school to close to all pupils the following day (Friday, January 5).

In a new update, a statement from headteacher Mr S Worthington has confirmed the school will remain closed again on Monday (January 8) due to the ongoing inspection being carried out by the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service.

Parents have been told not to send their children into the school on Monday and that further updates will be given in due course, 'following the completion of the inspection'.

The Manchester Evening News also understands that currently, there is no police involvement subject to the outcome of the fire service's probe.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) at the time said, “At around 7:30pm this evening (Thursday, 4th January), firefighters were called to reports of a fire at the Dean Trust School in Ardwick.

“Eight fire engines from Gorton, Moss Side, Salford, Philips Park, Blackley, Manchester Central and Withington fire stations, as well as several specialist appliances are