Governors at a primary school in Willesden ravaged by fire yesterday are rushing to find replacement classroom space and have pledged to replace all “uniforms, bags, coats and pencils” lost in the fire with the help of a children’s charity.

Following the devastating blaze at St Joseph’s RC Primary School in Goodson road, discussions have begun between Brent council officers and the catholic Diocese of our lady of Willesden which runs the school to find temporary classroom places for 540 nursery and primary age pupils.

In a statement released on the St Joseph’s primary school website, Chair of Governors Clive Romain said: “The Catholic Children’s Society has kindly offered to help replace all school uniforms, bags, coats, pencils etc lost by the students.”

Mr Romain confirmed that fire damage to the school’s roof and upper floors has been “extensive” but underlined staff at the school had “one clear objective- to reopen our school on a temporary site as soon as possible.”

The Chair of governors asked for parents “prayers, patience and support” in coming days and said students should remain at home until the new temporary site is ready.

He added: “We are one community and we will deal with our immediate challenge to relocate our students to a new site whilst the investigation by the emergency services continues.

“The Catholic community will come together to help and support us. We look forward to seeing your child in a classroom as soon as possible.”

To view the statement in full click here. Updates on attendance and school support will be available on the St Joseph’s Primary School website.