Cyber attack partially closes secondary school

A secondary school has been forced to partially close after a cyber attack disrupted its IT systems and communications.

Great Marlow School in Buckinghamshire said a malware incident had affected its ICT network, prompting staff to shut down parts of the system as a precaution while an investigation is carried out.

The disruption has left the school unable to contact parents and carers through its usual email system, and teachers unable to set work.

Students in Years 11 and 13 have been told to attend school as normal for external exams, but the school is closed to most pupils on Wednesday and internal exams for Years 10 and 12 have been postponed.

The school, which was attended by Olympic rower Steve Redgrave, also cancelled a Year 7 rowing lesson.

The school said it was working with cyber-security professionals to restore normal operations and was responding in line with guidance from the Department for Education and the National Cyber Security Centre.

In a statement, headteacher Guy Pendlebury said: "We understand that this situation may cause inconvenience and concern, and we sincerely appreciate your patience, understanding, and support as we take these necessary precautionary steps.

"The safety and wellbeing of our students, staff, and wider school community remain our highest priority at all times."

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