A SOMERSET secondary school has closed a bubble of Year 13 pupils after a student tested positive for Covid-19.

The headteacher of The Kings of Wessex Academy in Cheddar, David Wiltshire, sent a letter to parents of Year 13 pupils on Thursday (September 17) telling them to keep their children home for a fortnight.

The letter, which was also posted on the school's website, said pupils who are in the same bubble as the student who tested positive for Covid-19 have been sent home and told to self isolate until October 1.

Their first day back at school will be on Friday, October 2. 

The letter said: "I fully appreciate the magnitude of this decision but the school is acting upon the advice of Public Health England.

"We are asking you to do this to reduce the further spread of COVID 19 to others in the community.

"If your child is well at the end of the 14 day period of self-isolation, then they can return to usual activities.

"Other members of your household can continue normal activities, during the isolation period, provided your child does not develop symptoms within the 14 days of self-isolation.

"Please note you are not required to arrange a test unless your child or a member of the household develops symptoms."

Mr Wiltshire also wrote to the parents of students in Year 9, 10, 11 and 12 to inform them that a student had tested positive for the virus and the school will continue to monitor the situation. 

The letter said: "Due to the measures the school has taken since the start of term to minimise the risk of COVID-19, the school will remain open to students in Years 9, 10, 11 and 12.

"Providing your child is well and does not develop the symptoms of COVID-19, they can continue to attend school as normal."