A SCHOOL has announced a series of closures as it battles high numbers of staff absences.

Stanway School, in Winstree Road, Stanway, has told its Year 10 pupils to stay at home today due to a depleted workforce.

The pupils will return tomorrow but the school will be shut to Year 8 students, and then to Year 7 pupils on Friday.

The disruption comes as Year 11 pupils prepare to take their GCSEs this week, with the school forced to prioritise.

In a letter to parents and carers, headteacher Jonathan Bland said he will carefully monitor the situation for next week.

Gazette: Head teacher - Jonathan BlandHead teacher - Jonathan Bland

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He wrote: “Stanway is still experiencing high numbers of staff absence which is stretching our ability to cover lessons, monitor social times safely and have the necessary pastoral support across all year groups.

“We also have the next three days where Year 11 GCSE practical exams are taking place in a number of subjects, which cannot be moved.

“Therefore, for the rest of this week, one year group at a time will be asked to stay at home and complete work set through Classcharts and/or Google Classroom.

“I know this is not ideal, but students' safety and wellbeing is paramount and I cannot keep the school running safely this week with so many staff unable to come into school.

“I apologise for the huge inconvenience, but hope there is understanding regarding this difficult decision.

“I will carefully monitor the situation for next week and will communicate with everyone about that when more is known.”