A HEADTEACHER says he has put students’ safety first after announcing a series of closures at a school.

Headteacher of The Stanway School, Jonathan Bland apologised for the inconvenience after the school closed to Year 10 pupils yesterday.

Operating on a one-at-a-time basis, the pupils will return today while the Year 8 students are asked to stay at home.

Tomorrow, Year 7 pupils will also have to undertake class work remotely.

Read more: Pupils told to stay at home amid fears school 'can't be run safely' this week

Mr Bland said: “Like so many schools up and down the country, Stanway is experiencing high levels of Covid within the staff population which has had an impact on staff absence, despite cases within the student population remaining relatively low.

“The number of staff who have tested positive and are currently isolating, has stretched our ability to cover lessons, monitor breaks and lunchtimes safely and have the necessary pastoral support across all year groups.

“At the same time, we have Year 11 GCSE practical exams running over the next few days.

“Therefore, we have had no choice but to ask certain year groups to work remotely this week.

This is regrettable, but students’ safety and wellbeing will always be paramount. I would like to apologise for this inconvenience.”