A SECONDARY school has closed for two days due to a “health and safety incident” after a pane of glass fell from a building.

The Arnewood School in New Milton remains closed today following concerns over one of the site’s buildings, with structural engineers called to the school on Tuesday.

In an online announcement, a school spokesperson said: “Owing to an isolated health and safety incident relating to a building on the school site, The Arnewood School will be closed on Tuesday October 4.

“We will issue an update once specialist advice is taken from structural engineers. Lessons will be set online.

“This decision is not taken lightly but we are sure you appreciated the health and safety of students is paramount.”

This incident comes shortly after the school, located in Gore Road, announced the appointment of a new headteacher.

Nigel Pressnell, headteacher of The Arnewood School, said on Tuesday: “We closed the school today after an issue with a pane of glass on Monday.

“It fell from its position above a walkway and as a precaution we didn’t want anyone in the vicinity until it has been checked and the other glass inspected.

“No one was hurt but a few small pieces of the shattered pane spread towards some students nearby.

“My prime concern is for the safety of the students and staff which is why we are closed today and will probably be closed tomorrow. Our open day tomorrow has been postponed until Thursday 20th October.

“The glass was last inspected in 2019 and as it stands we don’t know why it came free.

“Today specialist glazers and a structural engineer are on site.

“Lessons were sent to students using the system that we developed during lockdown.”