THE summer break came early for staff and students at St Ambrose College in Hale Barns after an electrical fault on the premises.

On Tuesday morning (July 8) a new kiln at the school developed an electrical fault which set off the sprinkler systems.

The school was evacuated and the fire service arrived within five minutes.

Water damaged the school's electrics and this resulted in all power being shut down

The water also contaminated the school's food stocks and there will need to be a full replenishment before the new term begins in September,.

Senior managers tried to re-open the school and appreciate the difficulty this may have caused some parents and pupils, but this could not be achieved before the College was due to close on Friday., July 11 for the summer break .

Headmaster Michael Thompson said: “I would like to thank the fire service for their prompt and highly professional response. They arrived within minutes and immediately set about isolating the problems and advising us on the proper safety procedures, particularly concerning our electricity supply.”

The school will reopen for A Level examination results day on August 14.