Pupils at a village school which was destroyed by fire will to return to the classroom this morning.

Children from St James’ Primary in Grain are now having lessons at Allhallows Primary Academy while their school is rebuilt.

They were due to return to school after the holidays on Monday but that was delayed by the fire.

Reception year pupils will stay at the site as their classrooms were not affected by the blaze on October 30. The older pupils will be taken by bus from Grain to Allhallows.

Head teacher Ruth Sivarajah has thanked parents and the community for the overwhelming messages of support.

The arrangements were set out in a letter from Gary Vyse, chief executive of The Williamson Trust which runs the school with the Diocese of Rochester, and education director Alex Tear. Allhallows is also part of the trust’s portfolio.

It said: “Having given careful consideration to the safety, well-being and continuity of the children’s learning, it has been agreed that from Thursday, November 10, all St James’ pupils, in Year groups 1 to 6 will be taught by their class teachers in their original class groups on the Allhallows Primary Academy site, in order that the children can return to school as quickly as possible.

“This service will be in place for the remainder of Term 2 until it is no longer needed.

“Our central belief is that St James’ children must not be disadvantaged by the fire and they have the right and ability to succeed, regardless of the deeply regrettable circumstances.”

The letter said providing classroom space at Allhallows will ensure teaching and learning is not significantly disrupted. Mrs Sivarajah will continue to be head of school.

The fire is being treated as suspicious and investigations continue.