Eton College, a prestigious private school in Windsor, Berkshire, has delayed the start of its new school term due to severe flooding issues in the town’s sewer system. Pupils were expected to return to school on Tuesday after the Christmas break, but the college has been forced to move to remote online learning instead.
The college’s decision comes after Thames Water, the water company that serves the area, alerted the school to the issue. The company’s sewers, which serve the town center, have been backfilling due to floodwater, making it impossible for the school to operate safely.
The college’s email to parents and guardians stated that the sewers in the center of Eton would not be able to cope with the arrival of nearly 1,350 boys, causing the college to move to remote learning. The school’s spokesperson stated that the college is working closely with Thames Water to resolve the issue as soon as possible.
Thames Water engineers are working to clear the issue, but the company has apologized for the inconvenience caused to students and staff. The company’s engineers are responding to reported sewerage issues at Eton College, Windsor, caused by recent heavy rainfall and high groundwater levels.
Eton College’s School Term Delayed Due to Flooding IssuesThe incident has left some questioning the performance of Chris Weston, the company’s new CEO, who took over just this week. Mr. Weston has expressed his regret over the situation and has assured that his team will work tirelessly to resolve the issue.
Eton College is a prestigious school that was founded in 1440 by Henry VI. The school is known for its academic excellence and has a long history of producing notable alumni, including Boris Johnson, Prince William, Prince Harry, and David Cameron. The school’s 24 residential houses, each with a house master and a clutch of staff, provide accommodation for pupils.
The situation has highlighted the challenges faced by the water company in dealing with flooding and sewerage issues. The company has faced criticism in the past over issues such as leaky pipes and releasing sewage into waterways. The incident also comes as large parts of England have struggled with flooding since the start of the year, caused by Storm Henk’s heavy rainfall.
As the country continues to deal with the aftermath of the storm, Eton College has seen its start of term delayed as a result of the flooding issues. The college’s students and staff will have to wait a bit longer to return to their classrooms, as the college works to resolve the issue and ensure a safe and comfortable learning environment.