Work to rebuild fire-hit Cromwell High School is underway with plans for it to reopen in September.
Pupils and staff at the Dukinfield school have been in temporary accommodation at Inspire Academy, Ashton, since the fire in April 2016, which caused extensive structural damage and destroyed two classrooms.
The site has since been cleared and now work is underway to redevelop it, with approximately a third of the school being rebuilt and internal repairs and refurbishment – including a new internal layout and covered walkway – planned.
Local firm Jamieson Contracting, based in Hyde, is contracted to do the work.
Cromwell Head Teacher Andrew Foord said: “We have settled in well to our temporary home at Inspire Academy and I would like to thank everyone who has supported us in this – including the school community at Inspire Academy who have all made us feel very welcome. However we’re all excited at the prospect of returning to our normal site at the start of the new academic year in September and being able to make a fresh and positive start.
“There will be lots of support available for pupils as we prepare for and complete the move back to Dukinfield.”
Tameside Council Executive Member for Lifelong Learning Cllr Lynn Travis said: “This is fantastic news for Cromwell High School. The school community has shown admirable spirit and resilience since the devastating fire last spring and I’m delighted they can now looking forward to returning to their home turf and newly rebuilt and refurbished school in September.”
