Head speaks of 'shock' after devastating fire at Scarborough school

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Overdale School headteacher, Vicki Logan, has spoken of her devastation after fire ripped through the former school building on Hawthorn Walk.

Mrs Logan, who served as headteacher at the school for a decade, was spending the half term break in America with her family when she heard the news.

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She said: “I’m still in shock. I was on holiday in Salt Lake City when I found out. The staff were posting in the WhatsApp group saying “Have you seen how dreadful this is?”

“The videos were awful to watch, just devastating.

Overdale fire - Pic:Tanya RossOverdale fire - Pic:Tanya Ross
Overdale fire - Pic:Tanya Ross

“It made me cry. I know that’s silly, but I was in distress.

“It was my first headship and I did 10 years there. I've got staff who worked there for 20 years, staff who started their careers there, children who finished their primary education there and parent helpers.

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“We built it up to be a good school, I feel properly choked.

“When we left in the middle of August we emptied the building completely.

The devastating blaze - pic: Rebecca HowittThe devastating blaze - pic: Rebecca Howitt
The devastating blaze - pic: Rebecca Howitt

“It had been properly cleaned. I was part of that process, we even took the signs off the walls.

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“I’ve seen the drone footage and the damage is substantial. The main destruction is in the hall which is a big part of the central building.

“You can see three places where the fire has started. I don’t even know how they could.

“The building was fine. It was going to be used for community use. That would have been wonderful, to centre support on Eastfield.

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Head Vicki Logan with deputy heads Robert Bowman and Andrew WatsonHead Vicki Logan with deputy heads Robert Bowman and Andrew Watson
Head Vicki Logan with deputy heads Robert Bowman and Andrew Watson

“No one was hurt, that’s the biggest relief, but it’s just all so unnecessary.

“After half term there were kids coming up to me saying “Oh miss. Did you hear?” and I’m trying to be positive and saying “We have the new school.”

“There’s an emotional link with Eastfield families. We’ve had lots of messages saying wasn’t it sad.

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“It’s almost like grieving. If your grandma was a dinner lady and your mum went there and now you go there, it’s been a part of your whole life.

“The important thing is all children and families are safe. The old building did provide a lot but the new school will carry on.

“We have a beautiful new building and I’m very grateful for that.”

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