A school has sparked a furious response after surprising leavers in two year groups by ending the term early.

Parents were left fuming and teachers were reportedly in tears yesterday, after Brockhill Park Performing Arts College in Hythe gave students "twenty minutes notice" that it would be the last day of the school year.

Parents of the two year groups were informed of the move via a letter from head teacher Sonette Schwartz, and deputy head Charles Joseph, which was sent out over email.

It means that all Year 13 students have now finished at the school, as have any Year 11 students who are not returning for Sixth Form.

The letters, which have both been seen by KentOnline, were sent to some parents as late as 2.58pm, less than 20 minutes before the end of the school day.

At the same time, Senior Leaders were reportedly walking around the school handing out the same letter to pupils, telling them that their term – and for some, their time at the school – was over.

The letter reads: "Dear parents and students, thank you for your support during this school year.

"We are writing to inform you that from today Wednesday, May 26th students may remain at home to complete any outstanding tasks for submission to their teachers this week.

"Subject teachers may need to call individual students in this week and if they do you will be contacted by the school office."

The letter to Year 11s also says that anyone returning to the school for Sixth Form will undergo an induction on Monday, June 21, before starting their A-level subjects until the end of term.

Many parents have hit out at the timing and nature of the decision, with many saying that it was preventing the pupils from having a proper send-off.

Pupils had reportedly been expecting Friday to be the last day, with many planning on spending it saying goodbye and memorialising their time at the school with photos.

'It's just sad that those last celebrations were taken away from them...'

One parent, who wished to remain nameless, said: "My daughter was actually told by a friend from another class that they were finishing school that day.

"One of the Senior Leaders of the school then came to her class to hand out their letters.

"My daughter and her friend ran over to see a favourite teacher to say goodbye - the teacher cried so they hugged her, and the she told them she had planned a party for them the next day.

"It's just sad that those last celebrations were taken away from them, it's like being sacked at work and having 20 minutes to clear your desk before you are marched off the premises!"

Following the announcement, a fire alarm was reportedly triggered at the school, and several windows were allegedly found to have been broken.

The fire alarm was set off and an announcement went out to say it was a false alarm and my daughter was told a couple of windows got broken.

This is not the first time in recent months that the senior leadership team at the school has clashed with parents.

In September, Ms Schwartz accused a "small minority" of parents of "putting a drain on teachers" by constantly emailing and calling teachers over a range of matters.

Brockhill Park School have been contacted for comment.

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