A SCHOOL will reopen on Tuesday following a “complex” underground gas leak.

The Colne Community School and College, in Church Road, Brightlingsea, told pupils not to attend school after engineers were called to a leak on Thursday.

A smell of gas was noticed near an underground boiler room, following which it was decided to cut off gas supplies.

Pupils were asked to stay at home on Friday and on Monday and to carry on their learning remotely.

Writing to parents, executive headteacher Neil Gallagher, said: “I thank you for your understanding and patience whilst our school has been closed to rectify the problem with our gas supply.

“The gas engineers informed us that the works to fix the problems were more complex than first thought and specialist materials were required to complete the job, which needed to be manufactured over the weekend.

“This meant the Colne Community School remained closed on Monday.

“All students continued to access their home learning via Google Classrooms and followed their normal timetable.”

He added: “Please accept my sincere apologies for the disruption and inconvenience this unexpected event has caused.

“Your support in this matter is greatly appreciated.”

The school is set to reopen to all pupils and staff on Tuesday, October 19, after confirming the site was safe, although its catering provision is still being affected.

Pupils were instead advised to bring a packed lunch where possible and those who are in receipt of free school meals will be provided with one.

The school said it hopes to resume its normal catering provision on Thursday.

One parent, who did not want to be named, said: “All the students are used to working from home now, so it hasn’t really disrupted learning much.

“Thankfully the leak was repaired pretty quickly so that the kids can return to the classroom.”