Second Teenager Charged in Cowra High School Arson Attack

Police have charged a second teenager over an alleged arson attack at a NSW Central West school that closed the grounds on the first day of term three.

A 14-year-old was arrested outside Cowra High School on Tuesday afternoon and charged with damaging property by fire and an aggravated break-and-enter offence in company.

He will appear in a children's court later today.

Meanwhile, the 17-year-old originally arrested over the alleged incident had his bail refused in the Parramatta Children's Court next Tuesday.

His matter will return to court next week.

School reopens

The Cowra High School reopened today after its students learnt from home on the first day of term.

In a letter to parents, principal Anthony Hamer said Monday night's fire caused damage to the administration building and his own office.

"The school site has been given safety clearance by a certified hygienist," he said.

The letter noted that the incident may have caused distress amongst pupils.

"Counselling support will be made available at school for any student who feels they need it," Mr Hamer said.

HSC preparations disrupted

Cowra Mayor Paul Smith said the incident was devastating for the school community.

"Year 12 kids were about to start their trial HSC, and they're all disrupted," he said.

He said he did not understand why anyone would film the incident and post it on social media.

Police charged the 17-year-old with the "post and boast" offence of uploading vision of the fire to an online platform among other offences.

A voice can be heard in the video discussing the blaze as the flames burned the school building.

"See boys look at that burn," someone says in the clip.

"Look at this — administration office — look at that burn," they said.

Cr Smith said the community would work together to heal from the fire.

"My message to the people of Cowra is that this is going to hurt the town a little bit," he said.