A school has been forced to partially close after a person attending the site tested positive for Covid-19.

Pupils in years 7, 8, 9 and 10 from Mayflower High School, Stock Road, Billericay, will be studying from home from today until the end of this half term on Friday October 23. 

It comes after a member within the school community, reported to be a teacher, tested positive for the virus.

As a result, ten members of staff were affected and are having to self-isolate, preventing the school from running their full curriculum.

Students in year 12 will also be asked to study from home today (Wednesday October 14), but will return full-time on Thursday (October 15).

However, students in years 13 and 11 will continue to attend school on a full-time basis.

For those working from home, learning will be set as assignments on Frog.

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In a letter home to parents, Headteacher Lee Brumby, said: "We have been made aware that a member of our school community has tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) at Mayflower High School.

"As a consequence, this has affected a further 10 members of staff, who are having to self-isolate for 14 days.

"Therefore, regrettably, as a result of this number of staff working from home, it will not be possible to run the curriculum in full.

"We are being forced into a position whereby we need to increase the scope of home learning.

"We know that you may find this concerning but we are continuing to monitor the situation and are working closely with Public Health England.

"This letter is to inform you of the current situation and provide advice on how to support your child.

"Please be reassured that for most people, coronavirus (COVID-19) will be a mild illness.

"The small number of children who have been in close contact with the individual who has tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) have received a letter informing them that their child must stay at home for 14 days."