Emergency services have provided an update on a fire at a private school.

Six fire engines were called to Claremont School on the A21 Ebden's Hill, near Hastings at around 12.30pm this afternoon.

The road has been closed while firefighters put out the blaze, which is at a smaller building on the school site.

One eyewitness noticed “lots of smoke” from the school entrance across the road and said traffic was at a stand still.

A spokeswoman for East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said: "We remain at the scene of a fire on the first floor and roof space on Ebdens Hill, Westfield. 

"Crews from Bohemia Road, The Ridge, Bexhill, Battle and Herstmonceux are still in attendance.

"They are using one hose reel jet, one in seven foam and an aerial ladder platform to extinguish the fire.

"An incident command centre has been set up at the scene.

The Argus: Firefighters at the scene earlierFirefighters at the scene earlier (Image: Sussex News and Pictures)

"We are working with other emergency services and agencies including Sussex Police who have closed the road.

"Locals are being advised to stay inside and close windows and doors."

There are no reports of any casualties.

A Sussex Police spokesman said: "The A21 was closed in both directions and remains so at this time.

"Enquiries are ongoing alongside the fire service to identify a potential cause of the fire."