West London primary school closed early for summer after "solar panel roof fire"

Hundreds of pupils and staff were evacuated from a west London primary school on Thursday (16 July) after a fire broke out on the roof, forcing the school to end its summer term early.

London Fire Brigade was called to Rabbsfarm Primary School on Gordon Road, West Drayton, following reports of a blaze affecting the building's roof structure.

Staff and Pupils where evacuated from the school (IMAGE SUPPLIED)

Pupils were systematically moved to Park Academy, a nearby secondary school, while firefighters worked to bring the flames under control. No injuries were reported.

In a statement issued to parents, Rabbsfarm Primary School confirmed that extensive water damage sustained during the firefighting operation has made it "impossible" to reopen the premises before the end of term, which was officially scheduled for next Tuesday.

School leadership praised the "swift response" of staff and emergency services for ensuring that all children were evacuated safely and in good time.

The emergency closure has disrupted end-of-term plans, particularly for Year 6 pupils preparing to leave for secondary school. The school confirmed it is currently exploring alternative venues off-site to host the final-week graduation celebrations.

Arrangements are also being made to support vulnerable pupils and those requiring additional care through the final days of the academic year.

Louis Pratchett, a parent who rushed to the scene to collect his partner’s daughter during the incident, described the scene as orderly.

“All the children have been taken to the school down the road, Park Academy,” Mr Pratchett said. “No one’s hurt, everyone’s made it out. We’re just trying to figure out what happened.”

Mr Pratchett added that police officers on the cordon indicated the fire may have originated from the building's green energy infrastructure.

“I spoke to the police... He said one of the solar power panels caught fire. I think it’s on the roof above the kitchen.”

The London Fire Brigade stated that crews remained on-site on Thursday to secure the area. The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation by fire investigators. Hillingdon Council has been contacted for further comment regarding the long-term repair timeline.