North Durham Academy, in Stanley closes due to power issues

North Durham Academy in Stanley, said the decision was made after consulting with National Powergrid and other agencies, with no immediate prospect of electricity being restored.

It added that the closure was necessary “for safety reasons”.

Students who travel to school via council transport were scheduled to be taken home at 12.15pm, while those who walk were sent home at the same time.

Telephone lines at the school were also affected by the outage, limiting direct communication with parents and carers.

In a statement, the academy said: “As a result of the local power cut and having consulted with National Powergrid and other associated parties, it is unlikely that the power will be restored. We have therefore made the decision to close the school for safety reasons.

“Students transported to school via LA contracts will be transported home at 12:15pm.

“Those who walk will be dismissed at 12.15pm to walk home.

“All telephone lines are down. If you have any concerns about your child being sent home early, please contact them between 12.15pm and 12.30pm and they will be able to stay in school. Alternatively, please text 07818505360.”

It is not yet clear what caused the power cut or when electricity will be restored.

The Northern Echo has contacted Northern Powergrid for a statement.