Eton College sewer problems disrupt start of term

Pupils at Eton College have been told to stay at home because of sewerage problems at the elite school.

Thames Water said sewers in the area had been inundated after heavy rainfall, high groundwater levels and river flooding.

It apologised to staff and students, who were due to return for the start of term on Tuesday.

The all-boys school, with annual fees of £49,998, said it would teach remotely until the issue was resolved.

A spokesman said: "Following extensive flooding in the region, the Thames Water sewers which serve the town of Eton flooded.

"Therefore, boys could not return for the scheduled start of term on January 9 and the college has moved to remote teaching."

Thames Water said its engineers were working on the issue.

A company spokesperson said: "We are sorry to staff and students who have been impacted.

"Our teams will be carrying out a clean-up in the coming days once the river levels recede."

Eton College is one of the UK's most prestigious schools and its alumni include former prime ministers Boris Johnson and David Cameron.

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