THE Gilberd School has been forced to close its doors for certain year groups amid an “unprecedented” amount of staff absences.

The school, in Brinkley Lane, Colchester, remains closed for Year 10 pupils today and tomorrow.

Year 9 students will also be asked to work from home on Friday as the school struggles to recruit supply staff.

A letter circulated to families from headteacher Linda Exley advised of the planned disruption which will see the school closed in sections across the rest of this week.

The letter advises pupils they are expected to work independently as staff in school will be busy covering other classes.

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Mrs Exley wrote: “Unfortunately, like many other local schools, we are experiencing an unprecedented number of teaching and support staff who are absent due to illness.

“We have attempted to recruit supply staff but they are not available and we have reached a point where, in spite of our best efforts, it is not feasible to run the school with these levels of staff absence.

“We have, therefore, taken the decision to ask Year 10 to work from home on Wednesday and Thursday and Year 9 to work from home on Friday.

“Work will be set online using the Satchel One platform. If students have a core PE lesson, they could use the time to do some exercise of their choosing or, alternatively, use the time for reading.

“All students have a list of online learning platforms they can utilise. Students will be expected to work independently since staff who are well will be covering classes in school.

“We apologise for having to implement this measure. We will continue to review the situation and update parents/carers with plans for next week.”

It comes as students prepare to take part in Friday’s Schools’ Prom, but the headteacher has reassured pupils this will continue as planned.

Mrs Exley added: “Students involved in Friday’s Schools’ Prom will be expected to attend the rehearsals and event as planned.

“Year 10 guitarists that are performing need to return to school for a practice at 3.30pm on Thursday in the music department.

“Year 9 students who are working from home on Friday will need to return to school and be ready to leave for Charter Hall at 1.10pm when the coach is scheduled to depart.”