A SCHOOL had to shut yesterday because the cold conditions had burst a pipe.

Bolton St Catherine's Academy was closed yesterday and parents informed via text message because a burst water pipe meant the school had no hot water or heating.

All three sections of the school in Stich Mi Lane — primary, secondary and sixth form — were closed because of the fault.

A teaching assistant wrote to parents commenting on the school's Facebook post, she said: "Unfortunately it’s Monday morning so [the] burst pipe was only detected on site inspection this morning, as this is a huge site, inspection takes some time, text went out to parents in a first instance.

"There are legal requirements as to building temp and hot water, the gas has had to be turned off so no hot food."

The whole school will be open today and the primary school pupils will be able to enjoy their World Book Day celebrations.