The headteacher of King James Academy has spoken of the "severe damage" caused by Storm Henk.

The Royston secondary school site was closed on Monday (January 8) after last week's storm caused flooding to the main senior site teaching block.

"Considerable damage" to the roof and cladding was also sustained, with "major rebuilding or refurbishment" required.

Year 11 students were able to return on Tuesday, but Years 7 to 10 are working at home for the remainder of the week.

The storm damage has added to ageing buildings at the site, which are in need of funding according to King James Academy.

Royston Crow: Sir Oliver Heald visited King James Academy in Royston.Sir Oliver Heald visited King James Academy in Royston. (Image: Courtesy of Sir Oliver Heald)

A spokesperson for the school said: "Our Trust (the Diamond Learning Partnership Trust) and the senior leadership team have shouldered immense, yet routine, pressure in trying to reconcile the financial and operational challenges of delivering education in difficult circumstances whether improving roofing, health and safety, installation of new boilers across the two sites, replacing pumps or initiating a water improvement scheme.

"The list is endless."

The Department for Education has promised to help get King James pupils back in the classroom, after North East Herts MP Sir Oliver Heald and county Cllr Fiona Hill visited the school to see the damage.

Headteacher, Lisa Plowman commented: “I would like to thank the local community, Friends of KJAR, parents/carers and others for their support over the last week.

"We have had many well-wishes, which have bolstered staff morale, and inevitably make a difference in the virtual or face to face classroom.

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"Fiona Hill, Co. Cllr, and the Diamond Learning Partnership Trust have been of immense support in the background and have been advocating on behalf of the school to the Local Authority and the Department for Education.

"I would like to extend my thanks to all of you who have rallied in the background.”

The school has reiterated its desire to resolve the situation as quickly as possible.

Lastly, the school's spokesperson added: "The Academy, and Diamond Learning Partnership Trust are working with multiple agencies to ensure that we find a satisfactory resolution for the young people of Royston as a matter of urgency."