A whole sixth form has been sent home, after a teacher and year 13 student tested positive for Covid-19.

Bosses say the staff member and student have not been to The King John Sixth Form on Shipwrights Drive, Benfleet, since Monday (November 9), but took action as soon as they were informed of the positive test.

According to the school, Public Health England (PHE) advised them to close the sixth form and inform all year 12 and 13 students they should self-isolate.

The students who were sent home yesterday as a result should self-isolate until November 22, and the sixth form will re-open on Monday November 23.

As it currently stands, there are four cases currently linked to the sixth form.

The main school however remains open, and pupils should continue to attend if they remain well.

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In a letter home to parents yesterday, headteacher Melanie McGauley, said: "We have been informed of a member of teaching staff and year 13 student who have tested positive for Covid-19.   

"Both the staff member and the student have not been in school since Monday 9 November. 

"From the moment we were informed of the positive test, all processes and procedures advised have been enacted.  This involves following the national guidance and a risk assessment with Public Health England (PHE) advisers.   

"They have advised us to close the sixth form and inform all year 12 and 13 they should self-isolate.  

"The students who were sent home today should self-isolate until Sunday 22 November. The sixth form will be open again on Monday November 23.    

"Students in our sixth form will be sent a personalised letter providing guidance and confirming dates. 

"As you are aware there are four cases currently linked to the sixth form which includes the two reported today. 

"The advice is to circuit break through the formal self-isolation for those students in the bubble.  This action has been taken on advice from Public Health. 

"Year 12 and 13 operate in their own part of the school so this should not impact years 7 to 11 – there is no need for any heightened alarm or concern and the action has been taken to support all our community at this challenging time. 

"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 main school remains open and your child should continue to attend if they remain well."