A SECONDARY school which was "extensively damaged" by vandals during a break-in has confirmed its reopening date.

Rainford High had to temporarily close today, Monday, following the burglary and criminal damage that was inflicted on Saturday evening.

At around 9pm on Saturday, November 25, police received a report of the incident at the school on Higher Lane.
 
Officers searched the building and found that several classrooms, lockers and glass windows had been damaged. Fire extinguishers had also been pulled off the walls and used to damage toilets and equipment within the school.
 
CCTV footage from the school showed two youths inside the premises during the time of the break-in, which was branded as "shocking and appalling" by leaders in the community.

A 13-year-old girl and a 12-year-old boy have been arrested on suspicion of burglary in connection with the incident, and a police investigation remains ongoing.

In a letter to parents, principal Ian Young has confirmed that Rainford High will reopen as normal tomorrow, Tuesday, November 28.

Mr Young also praised the way the community have responded to support the school and rallied to help Rainford High. 

In the letter, the principal wrote: "I am delighted to inform you that Rainford High School will reopen tomorrow. The entire school team has worked together to bring the building back into shape so we can get back to education and learning.

"I would like to thank all the members of our community for their emails of support and offers of help, this includes parents, our students, local businesses, and community members such as other schools and partners from the wider community."

Mr Young said the way the school has come together has demonstrated to "those who have chosen to damage our community that they have failed". 

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He added: "As a school, we are very proud to have a clear ethos.

"The last couple of days have been about 'Everyone Helps' and we look forward, through working together, to show those who have chosen to damage our community that they have failed and that we will come back from this adversity even more committed to deliver our ethos of 'Everyone Matters, Everyone Helps, Everyone Succeeds'.

"The school will be open as normal on Tuesday, November 28, with all year groups going to form and normal lessons with assemblies planned throughout the day. Once again, thanks for all your support."