Students from Plume Academy's lower school headed home at lunchtime today following a power outage.

The full outage, which began at 10am this morning (July 2), has left the school without heating, lighting or active phone lines. 

UK Power Networks has confirmed that power is not due to return until later in the afternoon. 

In a letter to parents and carers, Joint Heads of Academy Tom Baster and Ruth Clark said: "As I'm sure you'll understand, an academy of some 600 students is unable to operate under these conditions, on health and safety grounds.

"We are sure you will understand that this is an extremely rare occurrence; we will provide a further update regarding the power outage to all parents later today."

Students began returning home from noon, with those unable to do so kept under supervision until the end of the school day. 

Buses will still collect students from Mill Road at 3.10pm as normal. 

The Fambridge Road Upper School Campus remains fully operational. 

Parents or carers with any questions are encouraged to email [email protected] or phone the Fambridge Road site at 01621 854681.