The headteacher of Balcarras School in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, has introduced extra help for students following upsetting news that broke during the February half-term holiday.
Dominic Burke confirmed on Friday, 27 February 2026, that the school had a sombre start to the new term. The news is also understood to have affected the wider community at Cheltenham Bournside School.
To give people time to process what happened, school leaders postponed internal exams for Year 12 pupils by 24 hours. These tests began on Tuesday, 24 February 2026, a day later than originally planned, and the headteacher noted that they are now going well.
Staff at the school say they have done everything they can to support young people throughout the week. These wellbeing measures will remain in place for the foreseeable future to help any students or staff who have been affected by the news.
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