Vandals struck at the disused Wednesfield High School on Lakefield Road on Sunday evening (21 September), causing extensive damage.
The school closed in 2012 when pupils moved into the new £14.6million Wednesfield High School, though its former buildings have been used on a temporary basis until recently. The new school is located on a different part of the campus and unaffected by the blaze.
Twenty firefighters tackled the blaze, which is thought to have started in a hall, and were able to prevent it spreading throughout the rest of the building. Police closed off Lakefield Road as 5 fire engines tackled the blaze.
Wolverhampton City Council's Property Services team are on site today (Monday 22 September, 2014) making the building secure prior to demolition. The site has been scheduled for disposal by the city council in 2015 to 2016.
Councillor Phil Page, Wolverhampton City Council's Cabinet Member for Schools, Skills and Learning, said: "This was a mindless act which could have put lives at risk, and we are working closely with police and the fire service as they investigate the circumstances of Sunday's blaze.
"I am sure that former pupils and teachers who have happy memories of the old school will share my disappointment at the actions of these individuals.
"Our engineers are on site today making the building safe and the site secure."
He added: "It's important to stress that this incident has not had any impact on the new Wednesfield High School."
- released: Monday 22 September, 2014