A secondary school in Wolverhampton has reopened its doors to pupils following the tragic discovery of a man's body on its grounds earlier this week. Smestow Academy on Windmill Crescent resumed normal operations on Tuesday, 20 January 2026, after police concluded their initial on-site investigation.
Police Investigation Underway After Unexplained Death
West Midlands Police were called to the school site on the morning of Monday, 19 January, after a 45-year-old man was found with injuries. Despite the efforts of emergency services, the man was pronounced dead at the scene. His death is currently being treated as unexplained.
Officers have been reviewing CCTV footage from the surrounding area to piece together the man's final movements. In a statement, police revealed he was last seen on Wheatsheaf Road in Wolverhampton at approximately 1am on Monday. He was then sighted on the school grounds at around 7.15am that same morning.
The force has described the man as wearing a distinctive camouflage jacket, a grey gilet, jeans, and a beanie hat. He was also carrying a red rucksack and may have been wearing sunglasses. The man has not been formally identified at this stage.
School Closure and Reopening with Specialist Support
Following the discovery, police instructed the school to close early on Monday to allow their investigation to proceed. Pupils were sent home at 1pm. In an update posted on the academy's Facebook page that evening, school officials confirmed they had received permission from the police to reopen as usual the following day.
The school's statement read: "As you will be aware, police told us to close school today because of an incident unconnected with Smestow Academy. As reported on Wolverhampton Police’s Facebook page, a body was found at the edge of the grounds. Police asked us to close so they could make headway with their investigation."
To address the potential impact on students, the school has put specialist support measures in place. Assemblies were held throughout Tuesday morning to reassure pupils. The school has also advised parents that any child affected by the incident can speak with their head of house, who can provide access to appropriate support services.
Appeal for Information from the Public
Detective Chief Inspector Phil Poole, who is leading the investigation, has urged the public not to speculate about the circumstances. He acknowledged the concern the incident has caused in the local community and confirmed that extra officers would be present in the area to provide reassurance.
DCI Poole issued a direct appeal for information, stating: "We are in the early stages of our investigation... Anyone who may have seen the victim in the early hours of this morning is urged to get in touch with us."
Anyone with information is asked to contact West Midlands Police by calling 101 and quoting log number 1452 from 19 January 2026.
