A primary school has lost its entire stock of computers and countless lessons have been disrupted by an arson attack which gutted a block of classrooms.

The block, which is shared by Woodside Primary and Woodside Middle School in Fenwick Drive, Bradford, was partly gutted and left severely smoke damaged by the fire.

Five classrooms and three specialist teaching areas were left unusable, leaving older pupils without any facilities for domestic science or technology.

Andy Barnett, head teacher of Woodside Primary, said the cost of the damage had not yet been finalised, but it is likely to run into tens of thousands of pounds.

"All the school's computers have been lost and many thousands of books are either destroyed or smoke damaged," said Mr Barnett.

"Each classroom had its own reading resource and we have been told that replacing the books alone will cost tens of thousands of pounds."

Two thirds of the roof of the block will have to be replaced, a process which could take many months.

Mr Barnett said that while the classrooms were out of use, pupils would have classes in the hall.

"Unfortunately, it means we will not be able to use the hall for physical education, assemblies or music."

Mr Barnett said that the arson attack had been a shock to the entire school community.

"Some people are very distressed by what has happened. The school has always been remarkably free of vandalism, which makes what has happened even more of a shock."

Eric Sykes, head teacher of Woodside Middle, said his school had lost three specialist teaching areas.

"In the short term, it means that our pupils will not be able to do any practical work, and for some of the kids the practical work is what they are best at."

Mr Sykes called for anyone who can help with the inquiry to get in touch with police.

All children from the two schools, which occupy different floors of the same building, were turned away from classes on Monday and yesterday.

Most of the school returned this morning, although years four and five at the primary school and year eight at the middle school are unable to return until Monday.

Two youths, aged 12 and 13, have been arrested and questioned in connection with the incident on Sunday night. Both have been released on police bail.

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