THIS is the first glimpse of the damage caused by the blaze which gutted part of Magdalen College School.

Following the blaze at the independent school on Tuesday night staff found walls stripped of paint, windows smashed and months of hard work ruined in the burnt-out building.

The fire started in the drama office of the school in Cowley Place, and was fought by more than 60 firefighters to prevent it engulfing the sports hall and gym.

Fire crews were called to the blaze after the alarm was raised at 7.15pm.

Firefighters from Rewley Road and Slade Park brought the flames under control by about 10.30pm.

Despite the damage, the school’s ambitious arts festival will start today as planned. Registrar Sophie Langdale said: “The drama office was a very busy office where there were a lot of staff preparing for the arts festival.

“It was the centre of action for us with costumes, sewing machines and props, but we are putting it all back together.

“The festival will still be going on as normal – it’s business as usual.

“We have all just kept supporting each other and we are really excited for this weekend.”

Fire investigators have still not discovered the cause of the fire, with arson yet to be ruled out.

Speaking to the Oxford Mail, Master of the school, Dr Tim Hands, said it was hoped the cost of restoring the damaged buildings would be kept under six figures.

He added: “We are all in good heart. Our cricketers became South East Champions on Thursday and are in the national semi-finals next week and we are looking forward to a wonderful fortnight celebrating the arts.

“Our main concern has been the arts festival but I am delighted to say that every one of the 100 events will still take place as scheduled.

“The drama department is determined the show must go on and is busily replacing the costumes and props destroyed in the blaze.”

Scheduled A-Level exams all took place the day after the blaze, while firefighters remained at the scene with police as investigations were made.

Mrs Langdale added: “The children are getting on with life.

“The costumes are being remade and put together for the festival – the show must go on.”

Thames Valley Police has appealed for anyone who witnessed the fire, or who has pictures and video footage, to contact them.