A school is closing for the rest of the week because attendance has halved as a result of illness.
The Irish Mirror reported earlier this week how a number of schools across Northern Ireland had to close for deep cleans following 'norovirus outbreaks' that have infected hundreds.
The Education Authority confirmed on Wednesday they had been made aware of four closures, but many more schools are reported to have been affected.
Bangor Academy and Sixth Form College, in Co Down, revealed their decision to shut for the rest of the week on the school website as half of their 1,600 pupils are off sick.
Principal Matthew Pitts told Belfast Live: "Like any principal we don't want to close but we have to and the parents have been very supportive.
"We are probably the biggest school in Northern Ireland - we have got 1,600 children and 800 of them are off sick.
"I think most schools are struggling - we have had to cancel two sports fixtures today and one was with a school in Belfast.
"I spoke to another principal and we were saying we have not seen anything like this in 10 years."
A statement Mr Pitts posted on the school website earlier today reads: "Despite our best efforts and good intentions, we are unable to remain open this week. Our attendance has dropped to around 50% and we are still having to send a significant number of children home.
"Unfortunately, this means we will be closed on Friday including SERC courses.
"Monday 2nd December will go ahead as outlined yesterday:
• The Year 11 and Y12 exams scheduled for Monday will go ahead as planned. There will be a reduced selection of food available for Y11 and Y12 students. Students only need to come into school when they have exams.
• All KS3 (Years 8, 9 and 10) and KS5 (Sixth Form) students will remain at home on Monday for a revision day before their exams start on Tuesday.
"Friday will allow us to deep clean the school and prepare the building for next week.
"Please remember to follow the advice about waiting 48 hours before you send your children back to school following this particular illness.
"If your child is unable to sit an exam, please do not worry, we will make sure the Christmas assessment grades reflect their overall term’s work. Nothing is more important than your child’s health.
"I know this isn’t ideal and I apologise for the inconvenience, but we have no alternative given the circumstances.
"Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding and please get in touch if you have any questions."
