The Blue School in Wells is navigating a challenging period due to structural issues in its Kennion block, which has led to the loss of 20 classrooms.

The headteacher, Mark Woodlock, recently updated parents and carers on the progress and the ongoing adaptations within the school.

The school has had to reorganise its space and timetable to accommodate the changes. The maths department has moved from Kennion to the northern end of the Milton block, utilising some rooms previously assigned to drama, English, and MFL.

The drama department has shifted most of its classes to the Dance Studio, retaining only the Milton Hall for teaching. Meanwhile, the science department has left the old labs, retaining the new ones but also using Kennion Hall for larger classes.

Mr Woodlock explained, "These 'double' science classes are large in size, but will continue to have two teachers with them and additional support. When students need to undertake experiments, they will move back to the labs."

Religious Studies (RP) remains in Barkham, with minor adjustments to classroom spaces, while PE theory lessons have moved to a different location within the school.

The reshuffling has affected a broad range of departments, leading to an unusual setup for many students' classes.

Mr Woodlock assured, "All students in school have been reissued with a new copy of their timetable."

In response to the closure of the Kennion block, the school has also rerouted student movement. "There is no access through Kennion block and so we have asked the students to use the top road, behind Barkham and the netball courts, to access music and science."

Lunch and break times have been adjusted, with Year 9 already moved to an early schedule and Years 7 and 8 to follow suit. The Chaplain's office and support rooms for Ukrainian students have also been relocated.

Mr Woodlock acknowledged the impact on parent meetings due to reduced meeting spaces and requested understanding and patience as the school seeks solutions. He emphasised, "We know that additional structural investigations are required and those are booked in."

Previously, he had warned that pupils and parents they are unlikely to have all of the school back on site before February half-term and it could easily be significantly longer than that.

https://wells.nub.news/news/local-news/major-structural-concerns-force-closure-of-20-classrooms-at-blue-school-215701