Following a thorough investigation the school is now safe and a phased return for pupils will begin on Monday 21 September.

The phased return will run as follows:

• Years 11, 12 and 13 will start on Monday 21 September.
• Years 7, 8, 9 and 10 will start on Tuesday 22 September.

On Monday, Year 11, 12 and 13 students should report to staff at the front of the school on arrival. From Tuesday onwards, students will report to their usual tutor rooms at the beginning of the day, unless directed elsewhere.

Where necessary, some lessons will take place in mobile classrooms or at neighbouring Ynysawdre Comprehensive School which shares the site and is operating as normal. Teachers will keep students fully informed of any changes to their normal timetables.

Bridgend County Borough Council, the Archdiocese of Cardiff, the headteacher, staff and the school governing body will continue to work closely to ensure normal routines are followed as far as possible.

Councillor Alana Davies, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: “While the fire was very distressing and disruptive for all concerned, everyone has shown tremendous commitment and co-operation in making the school safe and accessible once again.

“We would also like to thank staff, pupils and parents for their patience, the emergency services for their swift response, and the many council officers who have worked tirelessly to reopen the school again.”

School governor Dennis Hooper added: “Our priority now is bringing the school community back together and delivering the highest standards of education. The teaching staff, led by acting headteacher Philip Manghan, will ensure that pupils can return to their day-to-day routines with minimal disruption.”

Investigations into the cause of last week’s fire continue.