Students at Aylesford School were able to use the laboratories at the University of Warwick last week, while much of the Warwick school's site is shut off.

Following the discovery of asbestos and uncertainty over whether RAAC – a lighter concrete prone to collapse with age – is present, almost two thirds of classrooms at the Tapping Way school have had to close.

Many students have had to be taught remotely this term, with the school working hard to find a way to get as many children back on site.

Temporary classrooms have now been installed, with all students returning to Aylesford for the first time this week.

While the school has been working to get children back in the classroom, the university has donated £5,000-worth of basic science equipment from microscopes to air cannons, which will allow students to take on practical lessons in non-specialist classrooms.

In addition, it has also opened up the state-of-the-art science labs on the 14 and 15 December to provide sixth form science students to complete their practical chemistry and biology exams and gain "much needed hands-on experience".

Professor Sebastien Perrier, who facilitated the interaction between Aylesford and the university, said: "It is great to be able to help Aylesford in these difficult times.

"Thanks to our fantastic teaching technical team in the Department of Chemistry, we could organise the practical lessons and give the children a great and much-needed experience – it turned into a great opportunity for the children to discover what University labs are like.

"Now that we have set up this link, we are hoping to build further interactions and future partnerships with Aylesford and other local schools."

Dr Hannah Bush, head of science at Aylesford School, Warwick added: "It was fantastic to meet Professor Perrier and see him drop off the amazing science kit.

"This generous donation has allowed more interactive science lessons to be delivered and great relief from science staff that we can do safe practicals outside the lab.

"Once the original school buildings re-open for use all of this equipment can benefit all students from early years through to sixth Form."