Students at Clevedon School have been forced into self isolation after a number of confirmed coronavirus cases.
Students in year eight and year nine have switched to remote learning, returning to school on June 21 following confirmed cases in the year groups.
Masks will also be re-introduced for students in year 7, 10 and 12 who are remaining in class in a bid to halt the spread of the virus.
In the last five days, 11 students have tested positive for the virus.
A further eight are awaiting PCR tests following a positive lateral flow test and 49 students are isolating as a ‘close contact.’
School bosses met with North Somerset Council public health specialists yesterday (Tuesday) to discuss the spike in cases.
Headteacher Jim Smith said, “Whilst we naturally want all our students learning in school and enjoying school life, we have been advised that it is in the best interests of the school and wider community to take action now and revert to remote learning for Year 8 and Year 9."
The school has had one of the lowest rates of COVID cases in the region and this is the first time a whole year group has been sent home since the pandemic started in March 2020.
Mr Smith added, “We have robust COVID protocols in place that were praised by Public Health officials and that have been advised on by leading experts.
“The data suggests we are dealing with both school transmission and transmission connected to the half-term break”.
A North Somerset Council spokesperson said: “We have been working closely with Clevedon School and Public Health England to ensure that effective infection control measures are in place.
“We are keeping the data under constant review and will continue to respond promptly and in partnership with the school to limit the spread of the virus”.
Clevedon School has over 1300 pupils including a Sixth Form and is currently rated as Outstanding by Ofsted.
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