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Norfolk Primary School To Stay Closed After Fire

Wednesday, 19 August 2026 18:42

A Norfolk primary school will begin the new term remotely after refracted sunlight caused a fire which damaged three classrooms.

A Norfolk primary school will not reopen as planned at the start of the new term after a fire caused significant damage to three classrooms.

The blaze broke out at Thomas Bullock Church of England Primary Academy in Shipdham, near Dereham, on Thursday 13 August.

According to the Diocese of Norwich Education and Academies Trust, the fire was caused by strong sunlight refracting through a Perspex canopy covering an outdoor area at the school.

Firefighters and police were called to the site in Pound Green Lane at around 2pm, with the blaze brought under control later that afternoon. Nobody was injured.

An initial investigation confirmed the fire was accidental and linked to the extreme hot weather at the time.

The damage means the school will not be able to reopen as planned on Thursday 3 September.

Pupils will instead begin the new term through remote learning while work continues to make the affected parts of the site safe and repairs are carried out.

The academy trust says its priority is to return children to face-to-face learning as soon as possible, with plans being developed for how lessons will be delivered in the meantime.

 

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