New Nottingham school issues update after burst water main leads to temporary closure

A new Nottingham school has issued an update after it had to close over an issue with the main water supply. Bluecoat Trent Academy, located on Pelham Avenue off Mansfield Road, was forced to close on Wednesday, November 6, as it had no running water.

The brand-new £30 million site, which has the capacity for 1,200 pupils, officially opened in September. However, students were told to stay home after a manhole cover cut off the free school's water supply on Wednesday.

Nathan Jeremiah, chief operating officer at Archway Learning Trust, said: “Due to an unforeseen incident where a manhole cover impacted the main water supply, we had to temporarily close Bluecoat Trent Academy to address health and hygiene needs." Mr Jeremiah explained the academy would be able to reopen on Thursday, November 7, as Severn Trent had restored its water supply.

"We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding as we ensure a safe environment for all,” he added. Bluecoat Trent Academy was built on the former site of Nottingham College's former Clarendon campus, which had opened in 1960 and closed in 2021 after the college's £58 million city hub was completed.

Original plans to open Bluecoat Trent Academy in 2021 were delayed following the Covid pandemic. This resulted in its initial cohorts being taught in temporary accommodation at nearby Archway-ran Bluecoat Aspley Academy.