A new school building has been closed due to a “structural issue” – forcing hundreds of pupils to work from home.

Parents of pupils at Hartsdown Academy in Margate received a letter today notifying them of the school being partially shut, with only some year groups still able to attend the site.

The letter from head teacher Matthew Tate states the school was informed today about the issue.

“We have today been notified that there is a structural issue with our new building,” it began.

“This issue means that the building is currently not safe to use. We are working with the Department for Education and Kier [the building firm] to rapidly resolve this and are hopeful that the building will be open by October 9.”

It goes on to say the school remains open for Year 10, 11, 12 and 13 students who will use the old building and sixth form block.

But those in Year 7, 8, 9 and IAP students will follow their normal timetable online until the issue is solved.

Mr Tate told KentOnline the issue arose on Monday night when an acoustic panel fell from the ceiling.

“Overnight an acoustic panel fell from the ceiling and there were no injuries,” he said.

“As a precautionary measure, we are closing the new building whilst further checks are being undertaken. We expect the school to be fully open on Monday.

“During this time the school will be open to KS4 and KS5 with KS3 receiving online learning.”

The headmaster concludes the letter to parents of students at the school saying: “I am truly sorry for the inconvenience and disruption however I can assure you that we are making every effort to resolve this issue.”

The school has enjoyed a £10m new-build project in recent years, with the final phase completed last year.