The Hawera community is devastated following a fire that ripped through the local Intermediate school.

The flames which started yesterday morning destroyed up to ten classrooms and parts of the schools library and hall.

The Ministry of Education is currently working with local schools and council to find facilities. Council Chief Executive Craig Stevenson said they're looking for ways to continue to teach the school's 300 students.

"Officials were contacting council talking about consenting issues for temporary classrooms and things like that so we're confident that it will be up and running as soon as it possibly can."

He said the school is a much loved institution.

"Many locals attended there so it's been a time of high emotions particularly for the teaching staff and the pupils but also for the parents. I think the whole town are feeling it."