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Burst water main forces Deal's Goodwin Academy School closure

A town’s new multi-million pound school is closed today due to a burst water main, according to Kent County Council (KCC).

They authority says the Goodwin Academy, Deal’s only secondary school: “Is closed due to a burst pipe, no hot water or electricity."

It added the situation would be reviewed today.

The school has been contacted for comment.

The new Goodwin Academy in Hamilton Road, Deal on Friday. Picture: Chris Davey,.. FM4951134. (1225131)
The new Goodwin Academy in Hamilton Road, Deal on Friday. Picture: Chris Davey,.. FM4951134. (1225131)

Meanwhile throngs of frustrated parents have complained on social media about their children missing education.

Their criticisms also centre on how the school and its sponsors SchoolsCompany’s have failed to notify some parents of the 800 children about the closure.

Unverified Facebook claims say a roof collapsed on a teacher and children were last night evacuated from the six-month-old school.

The Goodwin Academy
The Goodwin Academy

Sam Wood said: “Not sure how much damage has been caused but they evacuated building as it was dangerous.

“Hot water leak, a burst pipe had fallen on a teacher – don’t think she was hurt but not too sure.”

Anna Foreman added: “Has anyone been officially told that the school is closed tomorrow as I've had no email and KCC site says it will be updated tomorrow.”

A text message since seen by KentOnline this morning apologises for the closure and says parents will be updated later in the day.

It says: “Dear parents and carers, we are sorry to inform you that the Goodwin Academy will be closed tomorrow (March 20) due to a burst water pipe which means that this is no hot water and no electricity in school.

“We are working closely with Kier and will reassess the situation during the day and will advise you by Groupcall.”

It is the second time in as many months the Hamilton Road academy has found itself under the spotlight.

Schools Company in February confirmed jobs are on the line after revelations of financial mismanagement.

Chief executive Elias Achilleos
Chief executive Elias Achilleos

As a result chief executive Elias Achilleos was replaced by interim Angela Barry, and a consultation on staffing, offering employees voluntary redundancy went underway.

The school, formerly Castle Community College, became a high performing academy in 2010, meaning it had autonomy over its own finances. It amalgamated with Walmer Science College in 2013.

Just six months later, in April 2014, Ofsted placed the school into special measures, the standards body’s worst grading.

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