A SECONDARY school has closed for two weeks after several pupils tested positive for coronavirus.

Hastings Academy made the decision yesterday evening due to the large number of staff who are currently self-isolating, it is understood.

The school, in Rye Road, Hastings, has about 900 pupils and more than 100 staff.

A first case of coronavirus was confirmed at the school on September 22 with headteacher Hilary Morawska writing to parents to let them know.

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A second case was confirmed the following day and it is being reported that there have now been five pupils who have tested positive at the school.

The University of Brighton Academies Trust, which runs Hastings Academy, has issued a statement following the closure of the school.

It said the decision to "partially close" had been taken following discussions with the council.

The school will be shut to all pupils "except for the children of critical workers and vulnerable pupils" - as at the height of lockdown - until Wednesday, October 14.

A trust spokesman said the decision was "not taken lightly" but was necessary due to the number of staff currently self-isolating at the site.

He said: "Our students’ health and education remain our top priorities, so during this partial closure the academy will continue to provide wellbeing support and remote learning to all our students."