Blacon High School remains closed today with a partial reopening set for tomorrow (Thursday 23 January) following a cyber security attack.

There will be a staggered return, with years 10 and 11 returning to school on Thursday 23 January and Friday 24 January.

It was announced in a statement on the school's website, which said: "Following specialist advice and a review of all systems, we remain closed on Wednesday to students.

"We are able to reopen to students in Years 10 and 11 on Thursday 23rd January and Friday 24th January and will be closed to students in Years 7, 8 and 9 who will continue to work on Google Classroom. 

"However, we are working hard to bring the remainder of the school back as soon as possible and are doing everything we can to improve this timeline. 

"We will update you as soon as we know more and will send out further communication in the next few days to confirm reopening arrangements for next week.

"The investigation is ongoing but our priority is to return students to school safely and to continue their learning. 

"We ask parents to top up Parentpay accounts as usual but if you are unable to do this, please send your child in with cash.

"If any students in Years 7, 8 and 9, would like to collect sandwiches to cover the rest of the week they can do so by going to reception between 11.00am and 1.00pm on Wednesday.

"Work continues to be available for all students to access on Google Classroom for Wednesday for all students and then to Years 7, 8 and 9 for the remainder of the week.

"A dedicated phone line remains in place as the phone systems are not available and there is no email.

"This is the number that parents should contact school to inform attendance of any absences or with any queries. 0330 043 9883 between 8am and 4pm.

"Communication with parents will continue to be via Parent pay, social media and the school website.

"The Edulink app is not currently available and any truancy information will be made on ParentPay so we ask parents to check this each day.

"Thank you for your patience and understanding at this time."

Blacon High School suffered a ransomware attack on Friday 17 January, leading to its immediate closure.

It was announced that the school would be closed early this week, with doors originally set to reopen today (Wednesday 22 January).

Headteacher, Rachel Hudson, pointed out that the 'school may need to be closed for longer' but updates would follow as soon as they became available.

She provided context to the nature of the disruption, as she said: "Unfortunately, cyber-attacks like this are happening more frequently despite having the latest security measures in place. 

"This has sadly been experienced by the NHS, National Rail, other public sector departments and schools.

"Once all staff devices have been cleansed, teachers will spend time re-planning lessons and will set work on Google Classroom for students to complete at home during Monday and Tuesday. 

"Meanwhile, senior staff are creating systems to enable us to continue running the school."