Cause of Selsey Academy school fire '˜still unknown'

The fire at Selsey Academy. Picture by Eddie Mitchell

Selsey Academy has heaped praise on the fire service for bringing the massive fire which engulfed the whole school under control.

The blaze broke out around 8am on Sunday morning and raged for hours before firefighters managed to get it under control at around 3pm.

More than 70 firefighters battled the fire, and although some buildings were saved, it is said to have destroyed 75 per cent of the school.

The school said students picking up their GCSE results would do so from neighbouring primary school Seal.

The fire has destroyed most of the building. Picture by Eddie Mitchell SUS-160821-113625001

A statement on the school’s website, posted at 6pm on Sunday, said: “We are grateful to the fire and emergency services for their support in ensuring the fire was brought under control as soon as possible.

“The cause of the fire remains unknown but the police and fire authorities will continue to work with the school throughout the ongoing investigation, working closely with the Academies sponsor,

“The Kemnal Academies Trust (TKAT), and the local authority.

“We will work to ensure that the education of pupils at Selsey Academy is not affected by today’s fire.

“We are mindful that GCSE results are due in this week and would originally be collected from The Academy, Selsey.

“Following today’s incident, We have arranged with local primary school, Seal, (also part of the TKAT family), to be open to pupils to collect their results to avoid any delays on Thursday, August 25, between 10am and 12noon.”

Watch a video of the fire here