PUPILS at York High School will not return to lessons until a week on Monday following the devastating blaze.

But City of York Council is hoping to organise out-of-school activities in the coming week for the school’s 896 students.

Pete Dwyer, director of learning, culture and children’s services, said the authority and York High staff had been working hard to deal with the consequences of the fire, which destroyed the central block of the school, which houses art, science, IT and administration rooms.

“The extent of the damage is highly significant and as a result the school will be closed next week,” he said. “The school building has now been made safe and security arrangements for the site are in place.

“Despite the scale of the challenge, we are aiming to get all the school’s 896 pupils back into education from Monday, October 13.” He said details of alternative arrangements intended to reduce disruption to children would be announced next week.

“In recognition of the unexpected pressure this places on families next week, the council and the school are working to offer some form of non-compulsory out-of-school activities provision.

He said as much information as possible would be made available via the council’s website at york.gov.uk and through the media.