THE HEADMASTER of Magdalen College School has vowed it will be “functioning normally” when it opens next weekafter a devastating fire in June.

The blaze on June 16 started in the drama office of the Cowley Place school and more than sixty firefighters battled through the evening to prevent it engulfing the sports hall and gym.

In the aftermath, staff found walls stripped of paint, windows smashed and months of hard work by pupils and teachers ruined in the burnt-out building.

But Dr Tim Hands, the Master, said: “I’m still so impressed with how all the students, teachers and parents rallied behind us and kept the school going without faltering.

“Even the day after the fire, it was business as usual, which is testament to everyone at the school and how they dealt with what could have been a real disaster.”

Dr Hands said there was still some damage to the roof of the sports hall, but it was in the process of being replaced.

He added: “We’re still so thankful that no one was hurt and although we don’t know the cause, all the repairs will be completed in time for a new academic year on Tuesday.

“We would also like to thank the fire service for quite literally, saving our school.”

The school also recently received approval from Oxfordshire County Council to build a new sixth form block.

Dr Hands, who announced in June that he is to step down as Master next summer, after eight years at the school, said that building work is expected to begin in July 2016, with construction taking at least one year.

He said: “The new sixth form building, which will be near to the sports hall, is going to consist of normal teaching classrooms, lost property and a social centre, which I think the students are really looking forward to.

“Sadly, I won’t be here to see the completed building, but it’s a great development for the school.”

He is leaving to take over as the head of Winchester College from next September.

Dr Hands said: “I have loved my time at Magdalen. It’s a great and happy place so I am very sad to leave, but excited to move on to a new challenge.”

Reminiscing on his time at the school, Dr Hands recalled a day when the school had to close because of heavy snow, something which he had never experienced before.

He said: “Several winters ago, it began to snow but we already had children in school.

“The history department took it upon themselves to recreate the Battle of Hastings, outfits and all, out in the snow, which was both very comical and very touching.”

He said: “It is memories like that which will stay with me forever.”