PUPILS of a West Somerset school struck by tragedy seven weeks ago were returning for the start of the new academic year on Thursday (September 4).

Minehead Middle School pupil Oliver Price, aged 10, was killed when a coach carrying year five pupils crashed off the A396 Cutcombe Hill on the way back from an enrichment week outing to Exmoor Zoo on July 17.

The coach driver and 20 other passengers were injured in the crash, including two children who were flown by air ambulances to hospital in Bristol.

All of the injured have since been discharged from hospital.

Now, the 560 middle school pupils are starting a new term after a summer where a range of support services and activities has been arranged thanks to several fund-raising appeals which brought in more than £150,000 for those affected by the tragedy.

The Somerset Community Foundation through its ‘Together for West Somerset’ appeal also took over administration of three separate appeals launched through the GoFundMe funding website.

Minehead Eye offered seven-days-a-week drop-in sessions throughout the school holidays, the Village Agent Service through the Community Council for Somerset’s Talking Cafes held regular support events for adults in Minehead, Williton, and Dulverton, and Somerset Activity and Sports Partnership (SASP) put on recreational stay and play sessions for all affected children and their siblings.

SASP also ran drop-in games, arts, and crafts sessions in Minehead and Dunster, while the Young Somerset team organised interactive drop-in play sessions in Minehead for families to access informal support and take along toddlers and their siblings.

Middle school headteacher Laura Mackie said she appreciated the school would feel ‘very different’ for many of the pupils and their families and her staff team.

Ms Mackie said: “The events of the summer have left a lasting impact on our whole school community, and our thoughts remain especially with the family and friends of Oliver, who tragically lost his life.

“This terrible tragedy continues to affect us all, and we recognise that students, staff, and families will still be processing a range of emotions as they return to start the new school year.

“As a school, our focus is on welcoming our students back with care, compassion, and sensitivity by providing routine, predictability, and calm.

“Over the summer, we have continued to work closely with our students, their families, staff, local services, and the wider community to ensure the right support continues to be in place from the very start of term.

“Minehead Middle School is a close and caring community, and we will continue to support one another as we take gentle steps forward together.”

Avon and Somerset Police accident investigators have been continuing to look at how the crash happened but have not yet released any findings.

A spokesperson said: “A thorough investigation led by our serious collision investigation team is continuing.

“We continue to keep Oliver’s family, Minehead Middle School, and the parents of the other children on the coach updated on our progress.”