A primary school which was damaged by fire will open as planned in September, the chair of governors has confirmed.

Flames damaged one of the classrooms and an outdoor shed at Carden Primary School after a fire broke out earlier this month.

However, chair of the governors Alistair McNair said that despite the damage the school would still be able to accommodate all of its pupils come the beginning of the new school year.

Mr McNair said: “As far as I am aware the school will be open as normal in September.

The Argus: Carden Primary School after the fireCarden Primary School after the fire (Image: The Argus/Andrew Gardner)

“One of the classrooms was badly damaged but we were very lucky.

“It has been great that people have been fundraising for the school since the fire. Many people have been offering their help which has been very appreciated.”


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Part of Carden Primary School caught fire on the evening of August 8 with the fire in a shed spreading to the main building.

Fire and smoke billowed from the roof of the building in Hollingbury as emergency services rushed to the scene to tackle the flames.

Headteacher Laura Sibley previously said: “As a school, we are very lucky to have a great community around us and the messages of support we have received have been truly heartwarming.

“September will mark 75 years of Carden Primary School and we will be working hard to bring the children and the wider community lots of events to celebrate this.

The Argus: Emergency services at the schoolEmergency services at the school (Image: The Argus/Andrew Gardner)

“From everyone at the school, and on a personal note, I wish to send out love and appreciation to the Hollingbury and Patcham community for all the good wishes and kind thoughts.”

Mr McNair also commended the quick response of a teacher who caught the fire early and quickly alerted the emergency services.

Three boys were arrested on suspicion of arson following the incident and were released on conditional bail.

The fire came weeks after the school broke up for the summer holidays.

Plans are in place to repair the damaged classroom according to Mr McNair, who added that this was planned to begin in the Autumn term.