Primary school pupils will be forced to take their lessons at a secondary school nearby for the rest of the term after flooding damaged their classrooms.

St Katherine's School in Snodland was shut yesterday and will remain closed today as repair work gets underway following extensive flooding on Monday evening.

The school, which had managed to stay open on Tuesday and Wednesday, will remain partially closed for the rest of the school year while damage is fixed.

While the youngest pupils will stay at the site in St Katherine's Lane, where a pensioner had to be rescued after flooding earlier this week, older pupils will be taught at The Holmesdale School until the summer holidays.

Head teacher Ruth Powell said: "To continue educating the children for the rest of term, we have closed on Thursday and Friday, but will be reopening on Monday.

"We will operate across two sites. The lower school and nursery will be at St Katherine's and the older pupils will be at The Holmesdale School."

The secondary school is only a short walk from the primary, and has already informed parents.

Addressing parents, Nikki Hodges, principal at The Holmesdale School, said: "While this is an unfortunate situation, The Holmesdale School is looking forward to working closely with St Katherine’s over the next few weeks and forging strong relationships with them.

"Any disruption will be kept to a minimum and your child’s school day should not be affected.

"We would ask that you speak to your child about the importance of supporting his/her local community and the children and staff from St Katherine’s that will be with us."

St Katherine's Lane was one of the worst-hit roads during Monday's floods.

A pensioner had to be freed from his car as water levels rose up to his waist.

Keith Johnson, who lives opposite the school, saw his car, garage and garden flooded.

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