A school is going to be shut for a third day due to structural issues in its main building.

Pupils were sent home from Meopham School in Wrotham Road, Meopham, yesterday and have switched to remote learning.

School bosses said there was a health and safety issue in the main school building which required the attention of a structural surveyor.

In an updated letter to parents today the head teacher wrote: “We have had a number of urgent meetings today with building contractors, and a representative from the Department of Education. A plan is being formulated to rectify the identified issues.

“The necessary works will require a continued period of closure, and therefore the school will remain closed to all students tomorrow.”

Today, work was set for students online using Google classrooms.

The secondary school, which is a member of Swale Academies Trust, is currently undergoing an extension to cater for an influx of more than 300 pupils.

This includes a new building and a car park with a drop-off and pick-up area.

The letter continued: “We are currently drawing up plans for a partial re-opening of the school site on Monday, and we will be able to provide more details about this, as well as an update on the progress of required works tomorrow.

“We thank you for understanding whilst we ensure the school site is safe for our students and staff.”

A Swale Academies Trust spokesman said: “We would like to give reassurance that this is not in relation to any RAAC.

“The safety of our students, staff and visitors is our greatest priority and we at Swale Academies Trust treat all health and safety concerns across our schools with the utmost importance.

“We are currently working closely with both the DfE and contractors to resolve the issue. Students are expected to return to in-school learning as soon as practicable.

“For now, they are engaging in quality online learning with minimal disruptions to their curriculum.”