Teachers arranging for pupils at a Willesden primary to move to a Harlesden secondary school following a devastating fire have postponed their return to school by four days.

Brent & Kilburn Times: Newman Catholic College has offered space to St Joseph'sNewman Catholic College has offered space to St Joseph's (Image: Archant)

In a letter to parents published on the school website this afternoon St Joseph’s RC primary school on Goodson road confirmed pupils will now start classes at Newman Catholic College in Harlesden road on the new start date of Monday October 05.

A statement this morning initially said pupils would be able to resume lessons on October 01.

St Joseph’s pupils have been unable to return to school since a fire tore through the roof and upper floors of their school on Tuesday afternoon.

A letter from Clive Romain, chair of governors at St Joseph’s said: “ I know that this delay in your child’s education has and will continue to cause problems for parents into next week.

Brent & Kilburn Times: Nursery and primary pupils will return to lessons while fire damage is repaired (Pic Credit: Adam Thomas)Nursery and primary pupils will return to lessons while fire damage is repaired (Pic Credit: Adam Thomas) (Image: Archant)

“I am sure you appreciate that the scale of the problem has meant that to arrange for the education of a school cannot be done overnight.”

540 pupils in years one to six will be moved into temporary classrooms at Newman Catholic College in Harlesden Road for five to six weeks while repairs are carried out on the Victorian school building.

Nursery and early years pupils will be re-located to the former Anansi nursery in Roundwood Park from October 5.

In the statement Mr Romain thanked head teacher Dawn Titus and staff at the school for their “incredible efforts” in arranging for pupils to return to school and also praised fire and police services for their assistance.

He added: “Be assured that staff and governors are continuing to prepare for the return of your children to education.”

The next update is due on Monday 28 September and will be available on the school website.

A dedicated service will be held at 6pm this evening at Our Lady of Willesden church in Nicoll road to allow staff and pupils who safely evacuated into the playground to meet before the return to classes on October 05.

Has your family been affected by the St Joseph’s school closure? To let us now how you are coping with child care before the return to school email: Hannah.mcgrath@archant.co.uk or tweet @bktimes