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High Weald Academy criticised for opening during snowstorm

A secondary school has been criticised by parents after announcing it would be open to pupils – only to close just one hour later due to snow.

The High Weald Academy, in Cranbrook, had alerted parents yesterday that the school would be open to students and arrangements would be made to cater for a play area if the snow had melted sufficiently.

Some children were taken to the Angley Road school only to be told that it would be shut from 9.45am.

High Weald Academy
High Weald Academy

The coach company responsible for the transport for pupils returned to the school to provide a lift home for those who had made their way to the school.

A statement from the school read: “We have reviewed the situation this morning regarding the unpredictability of the weather today and have made the decision to close.

“All students currently at school will be accounted for and arrangements made to get them home safely.

“We would ask you look at the website and Kent Closures for more information regarding the situation tomorrow.

“We apologise for any inconvenience, but we are sure you will appreciate the difficult associated with decision relating to severe weather.”

Parents were left wondering why the school opened in the first place.

One took to Facebook to say some parents would be “miffed” and wrote: “I did wonder how long they’d stay open and was surprised when they said they were.”

Another wrote: “Would have been a lot more sensible to make the decision yesterday to close the school until Monday in view of the forecast.”

Mascalls Academy in Paddock Wood is another school that has opened despite the threat of ice and snow throughout the day.

The secondary school said in a statement they would reevaluate the situation should the weather worsen during the day.

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