Basildon school set to fully reopen after fire disrupts lessons
Fairhouse Community Primary School aims to reopen following urgent repairs
Fairhouse Community Primary School in Basildon is expected to fully reopen on 2nd February 2026 after being partially closed for over two weeks due to a small fire.
The fire broke out in an electrical cupboard on 14th January and required urgent repairs, leaving the school without electricity. Following the incident, two year groups remained on site, while some pupils were temporarily taught at another school or received remote learning.
The school, which is part of the Berlesduna Academy Trust, accommodates around 406 children. A spokesperson for the trust confirmed that food parcels have been provided to families eligible for free school meals during the disruption.
"We continue to provide face-to-face education for year 6, year 1, pupils with education, health and care plans, and vulnerable children at an alternative school," the spokesperson said. "We are still anticipating a return to school on Monday February 2."
Andy Barnes, leader of the Basildon Conservatives, commended the efforts of the school's staff in minimising the impact on students.
"It’s obviously good news, hopefully the students will be happy to be back at their normal school," Barnes said. "Moving all those children around at short notice, particularly children who have particular needs, would have put quite a lot of pressure on services, so I pay tribute to the staff."
The blaze was extinguished within two hours. The school trust previously expressed gratitude to Essex Fire Service and UK Power Networks for their assistance during challenging circumstances.
Year 6 and Year One students were temporarily taught at Cherry Tree Primary School, also part of the Berlesduna Trust. Following an initial two-day closure, the school has continued to operate in a limited capacity while awaiting full repairs.