MORE than 20 children are self-isolating after a classmate tested positive for coronavirus at a secondary school in Colchester.

About 25 youngsters from one year group bubble at Thomas Lord Audley have been sent home to quarantine following the positive case.

A second pupil at the school has also tested positive for the virus, although had not been in contact with any other students.

Simon Essex, headteacher, said: "We have had two isolated cases which are not connected.

"One does not effect us as a school because the young man who tested positive was off last week.

"The other young man who did test positive was in school on Friday.

"He went home from school and as part of the routine testing regime we are running tested positive.

"We have sent just under 25 students home who came into contact with him last week. They are currently self-isolating.

"They are due back on Friday, May 28, the last day of school before half-term."

The boy is awaiting results of his follow up PCR test.

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If the result comes back negative, the students will be able to return to school.

Mr Essex added: "We are following of the national guidance and liaising with the relevant authorities."