Tuesday Closure (including Prize Giving)

Due to the extreme temperatures we are experiencing and the continuing red weather warning for exceptional heat, Ormiston Forge Academy has decided to close on Tuesday, 19 July.

We opened today (Monday, 18 July) with an early finish to allow us to evaluate the impact of the heat on our learning environments. It has become increasingly clear, as the day moved on, that this is not sustainable. We believe that closing our school for one day is the safest and most sensible action to take considering the exceptionally high temperatures, which look likely to increase tomorrow.

We will provide a programme of learning for all our students via Satchel One so they do not miss out on learning as we move towards the end of term. We expect every student to engage with this.

Students who receive free school meals will be provided with a packed lunch that can be picked up from the Academy between 0930 and 1000.

We remind families to ensure that you stay indoors, keep well hydrated and take adequate precautions in the heat.

We thank you for your support and understanding.

We will reopen as normal on Wednesday, 20 July, when temperatures are forecast to be much cooler.

Prize Giving 2022

We are also postponing Prize Giving tomorrow evening (Tuesday 19th July).

Prize Giving is one of the best events in the school calendar and we are incredibly disappointed to make this call; however, it is the right one.

Ultimately this decision was made due to the worsening forecasts of extreme heat being issued by the Met Office. Whilst the auditorium at Champions Church is air conditioned, we are expecting lots of people to travel between 5 and 7 (the hottest part of the day). Some guests are travelling quite a way and we know that some families walk. Safety is always our number one consideration and, given the conditions, we feel that we are unable to mitigate enough of the factors to make the event safe and comfortable for all.

We are working with Champions Church to find a date in October to move the event to. As soon as we know more, we will let you know.