No injuries were reported, but the school later announced that it would have to remain closed until early November as a number of areas required ‘deep cleaning’.

School will reopen for all students at 8:20 a.m. on Tuesday, November 1.

Tomorrow’s classes will be held virtually, or firefly assignments for students.

Teachers will be available to communicate with students in their classes, via email/teams throughout the day.

Students who would normally receive free school meals will be able to pick up a purse between 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 19 in the Junior Yard.

Wednesday’s open house was postponed.

The school said further information would be sent in due course.

In a letter to parents, director Ivan Catlow said: ‘We continue to be grateful for the support and guidance received from community members and firefighters.

“We have now been advised to close a number of areas of the school for deep cleaning.

“We had to make the difficult decision, in consultation with the local authorities, the Diocese of Blackburn and the fire investigation team, to close the school until the start of the new semester.

“Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers.”

A Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: ‘At 6.44am four fire engines from Preston, Fulwood and Penwortham attended a commercial building fire on Garstang Road, Preston.

“The incident involved a two storey commercial property of approximately 100x400m.

“Firefighters used three hose reels, two positive pressure ventilation units and six breathing apparatus to extinguish the blaze.

“No injuries were reported.

“The crews were there for an hour and a half.”