Update on school fire

Three classrooms were severely damaged on the top floor along with parts of the roof; while the first and ground floors suffered some smoke and water damage.

Engineers have confirmed that the building is structurally sound meaning areas on the wings and ground floor can be used.

Temporary mobile classrooms used by Tiffen Girls' School in Richmond, following their fire, are being delivered from Wednesday. Purpose built science laboratories will be on site at the end of September.

Normal staff training has taken place at the Teachers' Centre for all Bentley Wood teaching and support staff. Staff will be thoroughly preparing their new classrooms.

The Sixth Form has been able to carry out their induction with their tutors and teaching begins for them as normal on Thursday. This has been made possible through the generosity of Harrow Weald College and Hatch End High School offering their teaching rooms to Bentley Wood.

Pupils from year 8 will receive their induction on 12 September and all year groups will return on 13 September. Bentley Wood continues to work closely with Harrow Council and Kier Group to bring the school fully back into use.

Daily sites visits have been held ensuring this progress is swift. Local residents have been contacted and the school is grateful for their words of encouragement.

Head teacher Janice Howkins said: "Our excellent staff are very keen to resume their teaching and we know that pupils are equally keen to return to school.

"We have been working tirelessly to ensure that the highest standards of accommodation are in place for the girls arriving next week. We appreciate the overwhelming support from our parents who have put their complete trust in our work."

Cllr Christine Bednell, portfolio holder for lifelong learning, cultural services and issues facing older people, added: "We're working in partnership with the school to get things up and running as soon as possible.

"Its obviously been a traumatic time but everyone is pulling together and I'd like to pay tribute to the staff and, particularly, the head teacher for their hard work and commitment in facing up to these challenges."