A SECONDARY school has been reduced to a charred metal skeleton after a fire ripped through its buildings.

Large parts of Selsey Academy have been completely gutted after it was ravaged by the blaze yesterday.

More than 75 firefighters were called to the academy in School Lane, just before 8am and are still at the site this morning.

Plumes of black smoke and flames fanned by strong winds could be seen from all around the coastal village with more than 60 calls reporting the fire.

East Sussex and Hampshire crews joined their West Sussex counterparts with fourteen fire engines battling the blaze and bringing it under control at around 2pm.

A national newspaper reported the fire was started deliberately – claims dismissed as “tosh” by the local fire service.

Builders had been working on the flat roof of the school in recent days and explosions heard by residents are thought to have been gas canisters which ignited.

The school’s assembly hall, kitchens, science block and art classrooms were all destroyed while firefighters sprayed nearby thatch cottages with foam to prevent the blaze spreading.

Officials requested residents to remain inside and close windows to avoid the thick black smoke but this was seemingly ignored by many who went to the school to watch the blaze.

Sussex Police officers set up a cordon around the school. One officer directing traffic had to be taken to hospital after being hit by a car, though his injuries are not thought to be serious.

West Sussex County Council and The Kemnal Academies Trust (TKAT) have said they will work together on alternative provisions for the start of the new term in a fortnight.

Year 11 pupils were preparing to collect their GCSE results from the school this Thursday but will now go to fellow TKAT school Seal Primary to collect their results between 10am and noon.

Ward councillor Bernard Smith said: “It is a real tragedy, thank goodness there were no children inside.”

West Sussex County Council Leader Louise Goldsmith said: “This was an extensive fire and we know that the level of damage has yet to be properly assessed, although we anticipate it will be severe.

“Our top priority will be ensuring that pupils and parents to know where they will be based from the start of the new school term in September.”

A TKAT spokesman said: “The safety and welfare of our pupils, staff and communities is of utmost importance and we are working closely with the emergency services to ensure this happens.

“Our priority is to ensure that the children of the Selsey Academy can return to school as soon as possible.”