Pupils at a school which was gutted by flames will not return fully until after half term.

Blatchington Mill  in Hove told parents that students would not be able to return full-time until February 19 after the building was seriously damaged by fire earlier this month.

They will instead spend some time in school combined with online lessons.

The school's kitchen, canteen and reception area were all damaged in the blaze.

In a letter to pupils headteacher Kate Claydon said: “We are not going to be able to have all our students back on site next week.

“We share the disappointment and frustration that we know our families may feel about this but as you can see from the complexity of services needing to be restored we cannot yet access the areas that will enable us to have all our students safely back on site.

“Our priority therefore is to provide the most effective continuity of learning for our students.”

Parents were told that children would receive a mixture of in-person and remote lessons until after half term when it is hoped all students will be able to return to the classroom.

The school said the impact of the blaze ranged from “complete destruction by fire” to water damage and mild smoke damage.

Firefighters tackled the blaze at the school in Nevill Avenue for hours after smoke was reported at 5.40pm on January 17.

A 16-year-old girl was arrested on suspicion of arson after the fire and was subsequently sectioned under the Mental Health Act.

At its height, six fire engines were on scene along with other emergency workers.

No one was injured in the fire.

The school said its target of having everyone back in school by February 19 was “realistic” but not concrete.