Pupils have been told to go home after a reported power cut struck the area this morning.

The Hundred of Hoo Academy in Hoo St Werburgh, near Strood, has shut its doors to its secondary-age students today.

The all-through academy, which has more than 1,700 pupils aged from four to 18, says the decision affects those from Year 7 onwards.

A statement from the school earlier today said: “Due to a power cut in the local area, we have taken the difficult decision to close the academy today.

“Online learning will resume from period 2 (9.40am) via pupils’ Google classrooms.

“This will allow plenty of time for staff and pupils to get home safely.

“Further updates will be provided later in the day.”

However, a statement from electricity operator UK Power Networks explained: “Engineers were called to The Hundred of Hoo Academy, in Hoo, at 7.51am (December 14), where they investigated a power cut and confirmed our equipment was operating normally.

“This incident was unrelated to planned work which was due to take place today in Allhallows, which was postponed.

“We’ll be writing again in advance to any customers affected.”

It comes just two days after more than 1,000 properties were affected by a power outage across Strood.

People living in eight different postcodes were left without electricity for more than nine hours on Tuesday (December 12).