PUPILS at the Castle School have been turned away this morning, following the discovery of “significant” vandalism over the weekend.

More than 100 items of graffiti have been sprayed on walls across the school, containing indecent and insulting language, many referring to individual members of staff.

Parents and carers were emailed by the school today to warn them that the lower school site would be closed to all students today.

Describing the graffiti as “vile and offensive”, Castle School Education Trust (CSET) chief executive Will Roberts said it would require the immediate work of contractors, using chemicals to remove it.

“It is so upsetting for the school community to see this happen, the vast majority of which are proud of the school,” he said.

“While there will be a financial cost to clear up the mess, the bigger concern is the fact that 1,300 pupils are missing a day of education.

“The difficulty is that we need specialist contractors to complete the work, and as the mess is across the school site, we cannot ensure the student’s safety while that is going on.

“It is also, obviously, not appropriate at all for students, especially with some as young as 11, to see the condition the school is in, and the vile language that has been used.”

Mock exams were meant to take place today for Year 9 students, which will need to be rescheduled.

The Sixth Form site remains open today. Meanwhile, the lower school site, which is being cleaned by South Gloucestershire Council staff, will re-open tomorrow.

“The staff have been in today and have been extremely helpful with any work that needs doing,” said Mr Roberts.

“We have had offers from parents to help, which we are really grateful for, but as with the students, we would rather ensure their safety by them not being on site.”

Police have been contacted following the incident, and given CCTV footage for analysis.

Neighbourhood sergeant Adrian Fallows, based at Thornbury police post, said: “It’s unacceptable that so many children’s education has been disrupted by this action by a minority. I’d urge anyone with information about who was responsible to get in touch.

“I’d also ask Thornbury residents to help us tackle this sort of anti-social behaviour by reporting any incidents as soon as they happen.”

Anyone with information relating to the incident are asked to call 101, or visit www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/contact, quoting reference 5218010227.