A NUMBER of students have tested positive for Covid in schools across south Essex.

At both the King John School in Thundersley, and Castle View on Canvey, one student tested positive at each.

As a result, 17 pupils in year nine at King John, on Shipwrights Drive, are now self isolating.

Several students are self-isolating in year eight at Castle View, on Foksville Road.

This comes as pupils at the King John School have been told to walk home with friends after a pupil was threatened with a knife.

In a letter home to parents, the King John school said: "We have been informed of a positive Covid-19 student case in year nine.

"This was picked up by our lateral flow testing system.

"17 year nine students are now self-isolating as direct contacts.

"Parents of all students who were identified to self-isolate have been informed."

While the Castle View school said: "We have been notified that there has been a confirmed case of Covid-19 within the school.

"This is isolated to one student in year eight.

"However close contacts have been notified and will be self isolating.

"We know you may find this concerning but we are continuing to monitor the situation."