A SCHOOL has flooded following heavy rainfall after Storm Ciarán battered the south coast.

Moyles Court School had to partially close on Friday due to flooding inside the building and within the grounds.

Flood water had swamped the kitchen, corridors, four classrooms, reception area and offices, according to staff.

Pre-school years 1, 2, 3 and 4 were unable to attend on Friday, with these classrooms said to have been “most affected by the flood”.

However, the school was open for all other pupils from year 5 to year 11.

Moyles Court School said it would be operating a “normal school-day” for these students, but asked them to bring a packed lunch due to the kitchen being out of action.

It is understood that boarders, some of whom pay more than £31,000 in fees each year, are still on site. 

The school is hoping to re-open for all pupils on Monday, and is confident there is no long-lasting damage.

Headmaster Richard Milner-Smith told the Daily Echo: “It’s been a mammoth mopping-up effort, but the team have been amazing.

“I also want to thank the parents. I can’t tell you how many messages of support and offers of help we’ve had from our parents.

“It’s been extraordinary. The compassion they’ve shown has been absolutely amazing, so we’re hugely touched by that.

“All of the staff have been in today [Friday], even those who wouldn’t have normally been in, to mop up and clean up so that we’re ready for Monday.

“It’s been an amazing effort from everybody so I’m really proud of them all, and really grateful.”

The school was also closed on Thursday after Storm Ciaran brought strong winds and heavy rain overnight on Wednesday.

Floodwater in the area, as well as on the roads in the school, were deemed ‘unsafe’ to travel on for parents and pupils.

Announcing the closure, the school wrote on social media: “The decision is not one we have wanted to make but the lack of access will not allow us to provide a 'normal school day' today for your children and we do not want to put anyone at risk in suggesting it is safe to travel on the roads to school. We do not consider it is.

"Our boarders have had a pretty disturbed night and I'm sure they will appreciate the opportunity to catch up on some sleep this morning.”