School to remain closed following boiler failure – but mock exams to go ahead as planned

WARRINGTON’S Cardinal Newman Catholic High School will remain closed for the rest of this week following a boiler failure.

But mock exams for pupils in Year 11 will take place as scheduled, the school has confirmed in a letter to parents/carers, today, Tuesday.

Cardinal Newman Head teacher Helen Pinnington wrote to parents stating: “Unfortunately, we have got an underground leak which means that our boilers are not working. Therefore, a significant amount of the school is without heating and hot water. We are working with contractors and the Diocese of Shrewsbury to complete the required repairs as quickly as possible.”
But she confirmed mock exams will proceed as scheduled, stating: “These exams can happen as the heating is working in the Auditorium and the Portacabins, which are the locations for these exams. Year 11 pupils will use the toilets in the auditorium, as these have their own hot water supply.
“Year 11 will only attend for the exams. They are free to leave the site between morning and afternoon exams if they are able to make their way home and back to school. There will be no school bus at lunchtime. Year 11 pupils can work in the canteen between exams. There will be a limited food service each day so pupils may prefer to bring a packed lunch.
The school bus will run for Year 11 pupils at the usual times before and after school. If Year 11 pupils do not attend as per the exam timetable, they will be marked as absent as school is open on Thursday 8th and Friday 9th January for Year 11 pupils.”
Mrs Pinnington added: “Our site team have worked all over the Christmas break and continues to do so to rectify this issue, so it is safe for all pupils to return to lessons on site. I will write to you all again on the
afternoon of Friday, 9th January 2026, with an update regarding what will be happening next week. I am sorry for the inconvenience that this has caused. Please do not call the school for an update as we will not have any further information before Friday. Thank you for your support during this difficult time.”

More details are available on the school website.