A Chester high school has issued a statement after online pranksters claimed the school would be closed for another month following a fire.

Blacon High School pupils who read the scam article may have been hoping for an extension to their six-week holiday but school management have poured cold water on fabricated claims about a devastating blaze.

A message on the school Facebook page reads: “We are aware there is a fake article being shared on Facebook at the moment claiming that the school is closed for four weeks due to a fire.

“Please be aware that the school is not closed nor has there been a fire. We re-open to all students as scheduled on Wednesday 2nd September.”

The school asked people share the post 'to get the message around'.

Toni Marie Bradley responded in a comment underneath: “Didn’t think there had been. My daughter was at summer camp Friday x.”

The school took the opportunity to inform new year 7 students that they will be able to access the school site from 8am on September 2 and will be ‘whistled in’ for registration at 8:45am. Years 8-11 should not arrive at school until 11am. This is to give new students a chance to familiarise themselves with the building.

Blacon High was last week delighted that students achieved improved outcomes in their GCSEs for the third year in succession.

The school says this demonstrates ‘daily, consistent hard work and commitment’ across the school.

Headteacher Susan Yates commented: “Some of our students have achieved absolutely superb results and will be taking up places to study A levels both locally and in some of the top public schools in the country. Other students will be taking up vocational courses and apprenticeships.

“I am thrilled with their results which rest on strong partnerships between students, staff, parents, governors, our partner primary schools and this community. The school goes from strength to strength with a prestigious new building opening next year.”