A BRIDGWATER secondary school is delaying the start of the academic year following an "incident" today (Friday, September 2).

Students will not be returning to Haygrove School on Monday as planned due to safety concerns.

A letter has been e-mailed from the Durleigh Road school to all parents and carers informing them that the school will be closed on Monday.

A social media post from Haygrove School says: "An e-mail has been sent to all parents and guardians notifying them that, following an incident today, we have been instructed by the Department for Education to delay the start of the new term until we are confident that any issues are rectified.

"The school will be closed on Monday when a DforE team will inspect the school site and assess the situation.

"We apologise for any inconvenience caused, but the safety of children and staff remain paramount and further information will be issued as soon as possible on Monday."

The Mercury is attempting to ascertain the exact nature of the "incident".

It is currently unknown when the school term will start.