Dorcan Academy on St Pauls Drive has announced that it will be shut today and will likely not be able to reopen before the end of term due to staff shortages.

The local secondary school made a public announcement on their Facebook page this (Friday) morning explaining that the staff shortages are caused by self-isolation and covid cases.

The end of term is July 24th, and the school is set to update parents with further information on what will happen next shortly. 

Reaction to the school closing early among parents was mixed, with some parents expressing concern, and others stating that the right decision was made. 

Sarah Maggs, 42, from Covingham, found the announcement worrying, "It's a massive concern the school has had to close because of self-isolating and positive Covid cases."

"I feel it is a huge worry that has come ahead of the planned ''freedom day' next week.

"I am lucky enough to work from home. A lot of parents aren't in this position and will struggle."

Sarah added that she felt her daughter would struggle after having her education disrupted again,

"My daughter is only year 7 and not mature enough to be left alone at home all day. It's very disappointing for the children too, with it being unlikely they'll return now until September."

Another parent, Hayley Cronin, 39, from Eldene, was happy with the school’s decision, “I think it’s a good idea to close until September.

“There is no point opening if they have staff shortages. Just go back to September for a fresh term.”

Dorcan Academy Head Teacher Sherryl Bareham has provided a statement regarding the school's closure, which you can see below.

"Due to a significant number of staff having to self-isolate according to government guidelines, the Dorcan Academy has had to make the difficult decision to close to students as it has become untenable to operate the school safely. Remote learning provision is in place and those that are vulnerable will be able to attend school.

"The Dorcan Academy wish to clarify that students will not be finishing early for summer as high quality remote learning is in place until the end of term for all students, and places will be available in school for vulnerable students."

This announcement comes just a few days before ‘Freedom Day’ on Monday 19th, where the UK Government is lifting all social distancing and lockdown restrictions put in place to control the Coronavirus pandemic.

However, cases have been rising across the UK, with Coronavirus cases in Swindon increasing by 68 per cent this week compared to the previous week. As of yesterday, there had been 711 positive Covid-19 test results recorded in the borough.

Over the last seven days, 22 people have been admitted to Great Western Hospital with Covid-19 symptoms.

The NHS Track and Trace app has also been making headlines recently with several businesses across the country seeing large numbers of staff being told to self-isolate.