URGENT arrangements are being made to house secondary school pupils sitting major exams after it was announced their school will be closed until after the Easter holidays due to storm damage.

Storm Emma tore through the region last week causing widespread damage, especially in coastal communities.

One of the worst hit areas was Harlech where the force of the winds, which measured between 90-100mph, destroyed the roof of the local comprehensive school, Ysgol Ardudwy.

The school has today (Thursday) announced it will not reopen until after the Easter holidays as the building is not safe for pupils.

However, for students sitting their GCSEs, it is vital they return to their studies as soon as possible before sitting their exams in just a few weeks time.

The school has subsequently made emergency arrangements to accommodate them.

A spokesperson for Ysgol Ardudwy said: “Following the damage to the roof of school last week, urgent work has been carried out over the last few days to ensure the continuity of our pupils’ education.

“Due to the damage and the necessary works to make the site safe and carry out repairs it will not be possible to re-open the school building until after the Easter holidays. “Meanwhile, the school and Gwynedd Council have been working together to put alternative arrangements in place by prioritising pupils in Years 10 and 11 who face external examinations.

“Year 10 and 11 pupils will be relocated in the old Harlech library and youth club building and at Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor, Dolgellau from Monday, 12 March for the next fortnight.

“We have contacted parents of all Year 10 and 11 pupils to give full details of these arrangements.

“In the meantime, further work is being done to ensure educational arrangements for Year 7-9 pupils and we will update the parents of these pupils as soon as possible.”

It is hoped pupils can return to the school on Monday 9 April.