RIDGEWAY School and Sixth Form is partially closed.

All Year 9 students and most Year 10 students have been asked to stay home until further notice.

Year 10 students taking an engineering exam will be allowed in.

Headteacher James Povoas said: "The prime minister recently announced that all individuals who live in a household with a person who has a new continuous cough and/or a high temperature should self-isolate for 14 days.

"Following this guidance, a significant number of staff at The Ridgeway School will not be at work today. This is precautionary and does not mean they have symptoms or coronavirus.

"The impact of this means that due to staffing limitations we are unable to offer a full curriculum across all year groups. I have therefore taken the difficult decision to suspend onsite learning to years 9 and 10.

"The school will remain open for years 7, 8, 11, 12 and 13, and year 10 engineers

"Parents of students in years 9 and 10 are asked to direct students to the student portal where they will find their online learning as demonstrated in school yesterday. You will have also received a guide to assist you with this.

"Thank you for your understanding and support."