A SCHOOL has been hit by a devastating cyber attack that has seen IT system's compromised by hackers and bosses forced to delay re-opening following the summer holidays.

Canvey Infant School, in Long Road, has told parents it will not be able to re-open on Tuesday, September 3, as planned, and children must stay home an extra day.

Headteacher, Sandra Dorrington, has confirmed the school was targeted over the summer holidays despite "all precautionary measures" being taken to safeguard the school's IT system.

The school has said teachers are unable to access resources stored on the school system.

The attack comes after Billericay School was forced to close following a “cyber malware attack” on May 31 which prevented teacher accessing the system.

Both Essex County Council and the National Cyber Security Centre, who monitor cyber security incidents and respond to urgent incidents.

Ms Dorrington: “During the summer holidays, the school unfortunately suffered a cyber-attack.

“While we have taken all of the precautionary security measures to deal with any such cyber threat, this attack has resulted in the school’s IT system being compromised.

“The incident has been reported to the National Cyber Security Centre.

“Essex County Council are also aware and are supporting the school.

“Our IT support staff are working hard to resolve the issue and have already made significant progress in restoring systems; however, we have made the difficult decision to close the school for an additional day on Tuesday September 3."

The decision to remain closed for an extra day will allow teachers extra time to prepare for lessons and the school is confident children will be able to return on Wednesday.

“This will enable us to further resolve the issues caused by the attack and allow teaching staff additional time to prepare for their new class, given they do not have access to resources stored on the school system," Ms Dorrington said.

“We have contacted parents directly and will update them in due course.

“We apologise for the inconvenience this will cause and thank our pupils and their families for their patience and understanding.”

A spokesman for Essex County Council said: “We are aware of a cyber security incident affecting Canvey Infant School.

“We are supporting the school as required to minimise the impact on the start of the autumn term.”