Two students have tested positive for Covid-19 at secondary schools in Harborough and Kibworth

Two students have tested positive for Covid-19 at secondary schools in Market Harborough and Kibworth, it’s emerged this afternoon (Monday September 14).

A Year 7 pupil, aged 11 or 12, has been affected at Robert Smyth Academy on Burnmill Road, Market Harborough.

And a Year 8 pupil, who’s 12 or 13, has tested positively for the coronavirus at Kibworth School.

This afternoon Dan Cleary, principal at the 1,000-pupil Robert Smyth Academy, told the Harborough Mail: “Over the weekend, we were notified that a student had tested positive for coronavirus (Covid-19).

“The student has not been in school since Tuesday September 8 and they will now remain isolated as per government guidance.

“Following this disclosure, we immediately followed our procedures and identified people this student had been in closest contact with.”

Dan added: “In consultation with the local Health Protection Team at Public Health England (PHE), we have been in communication with all parents of these students during the weekend to ensure that they self-isolate for 14 days, following national guidelines and that they do not attend school until this period of time has ended.

“We are well prepared for this scenario and we have a committed teaching team who will make sure that students can catch up by working from home.

“We will continue to support all students by providing remote learning for them online.

“Unfortunately, this is a process that many schools will encounter over the coming months.

“I am grateful to the students, parents, and staff who we have contacted for their understanding and support."

And scores of Year 8 youngsters at Kibworth School on Smeeton Road, Kibworth Beauchamp, are being told to self-isolate for the next two weeks following the new case there.

Staff at the school, which has about 850 students aged from 11-16, have told parents of Year 8 pupils today (Monday) not to send their children to school.

“Dear Parent/Carer, I am writing to inform you that over the weekend, we were notified that a Year 8 student tested positive for coronavirus (Covid-19).

“The decision has been made to close the Year 8 bubble.

“This means all Year 8 students are required to isolate for the next 14 days starting from today.

“We have been in contact with Public Health England (PHE) and the local Health Protection Team.

“I can confirm that the Year 8 student was last in school on 9th of September,” headteacher Emma Merry has told parents.

“In line with national guidance, we have identified those who have been in close contact and our risk assessment has resulted in our decision to ask all students who have been in close contact to self-isolate for 14 days.

“All close contacts have received a personalised letter confirming these details and outlining the online provision that will be available so that they can continue to learn from home.

“We have been reassured that the risk of infection within the wider school community from this case is minimal and that all appropriate action has been taken. “Therefore, the school will remain open as usual for all students and staff who have not received a letter informing them that they need to self-isolate.

“This does provide another timely reminder of how important it is that the measures we have in school to help prevent the spread of infection are followed.

“We will continue to support our students so that these routines are well embedded at all times.

“It is important that you read the following information which has been provided by Public Health England.

“We are asking you to do this to reduce the transmission of coronavirus.”