Eastbourne headteacher devastated after serious fire damages school building

Stafford Junior School, in Ringwood Road, Eastbourne, will be closed to pupils today (Monday, November 16) after eight fire engines were sent to tackle a large blaze on Sunday night.

Kyra Siddall-Ward, the school’s headteacher, said: “As the Headteacher of Stafford Junior School, I regret to inform you about a serious fire at the school tonight, the 15th November.

“We are obviously devastated about the damage to our beautiful school.

“Staff members are currently in attendance with fire and police officers and I will give you as much information as I can as soon as possible.

“However, the school will be closed tomorrow, the 16th November. Please be aware there will be further updates about the implications for your children as soon as I am in a position to provide them.”

Crews from Seaford, Hailsham, Heathfield, Bexhill, Bohemia Road, Newhaven and Eastbourne were called to the scene at 7.20pm on Sunday.

Firefighters used eight breathing apparatus, three hose reel jets and one main jet to extinguish the fire.

Ringwood Road was closed for a number of hours and Sussex Police were also in attendance.

By 9.57pm, East Sussex Fire said crews were making ‘good progress with the fire’ and said firefighters were ventilating the building.

The incident was scaled down to one fire fighting shortly before 10pm.

Firefighters remained at the scene overnight dampening down and inspecting the scene.

Sussex Police also remained on site overnight.

The immediate cause of the fire is not yet known.