School closed to Year 8 and Year 11 from 9am on Friday 16^th October for 1 week until after half term

Closure of School for students in Years 8 and 11

Dear parents/carers,

As you will be aware, following three positive cases of Covid-19 in school, we now have 150 students self-isolating and 6 staff due to being identified as direct contacts.  This, combined with other staff absence related to Covid, has resulted in us having to make the difficult decision to close the school to all students in Year 8 and 11 in addition to those who are already isolating.

All students will be able to continue with their learning remotely.  I emphasise that this decision has not been taken lightly but in order for us to maintain safety in school, it is essential that I have enough staff to manage and support students.

As a result of this, all Year 8 and 11 students should remain at home immediately, from Friday 16^th October until the end of term, next Friday 23^rd October.  Therefore students in Years 8 and 11 should not be in on Friday for one week.  I must stress that only those students identified as contacts have to isolate; all remaining students in Years 8 and 11 do not have to isolate but should continue with their learning remotely.

Tutors will make contact with all students next week to check on welfare and progress.  In the meantime, if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact the school.  I hope that you are able to enjoy a well-deserved rest in the forthcoming half term and we look forward to welcoming students back into school on Monday 2^nd November.

Yours sincerely,

Mrs Rachel Hudson

Headteacher