Two schools have announced they will close when Greta Thunberg joins a climate demonstration in Bristol.
The 17-year-old environmental activist will make a speech in College Green at 11am tomorrow (Friday, February 28), then march with Youth Strike 4 Climate protesters through the city centre.
Now secondary Bristol Cathedral Choir School (BCCS) and Cathedral Primary School (CPS), both based on College Square, have confirmed they will shut for the event and any exams will be postponed.
It comes after police warned there is potential for "crushing" during Greta's visit and admitted the event may not be controlled "adequately".
UPDATE: We are posting live updates on Greta Thunberg's visit throughout the day here.
In a joint letter to parents and carers, BCCS and CPS heads Paul Atkins and Sara Yarnold wrote: "The expected numbers for the event are difficult to predict.
"We are informed that current estimates are at around 15,000; this is unprecedented for an event of this type on College Green and will present significant logistical challenges for the locality including possible road closures.
"We have consulted with Avon and Somerset Police, governors and local authorities who are supportive of this decision.
"Given our school’s unique open city centre setting, safeguarding and planning for all eventualities is always our priority responsibility."
'Extraordinary event'
Mr Atkins and Ms Yarnold added they are unable to guarantee the "safe management" of students during the protest.
They wrote: "BCCS and CPS will not have any appropriate evacuation muster areas required for approximately 1,500 students and staff.
"The potential numbers of people in College Square may also compromise student supervision, given the need for repeated movement during the day across this public space.
"We trust you will appreciate that this is an extraordinary event and this decision has not been taken lightly."
Students of BCCS will be provided with work and resources for the lessons they will miss on Friday.
Exams due to take place on Friday will be postponed to Monday, March 2.
CPS teachers will set a piece of work on the subject of climate change to be completed during the day.
Staff will go to work at the schools as normal.
A spokesperson for coach firm SNAP says around 1,000 people have registered an interest in being picked up from different locations around the UK to be ferried to Bristol.
Hundreds of youth strikers will be coming from London, Birmingham and Cardiff.
