Coronavirus cases prompt temporary closure of school sixth form

Published Tuesday, 22nd September 2020

The sixth form (Years 12 and 13) at English Martyrs School and Sixth Form College in Hartlepool has been temporarily closed for deep cleansing following three confirmed cases of COVID-19.

The rest of the school (Years 7-11) is not affected and continues to operate as usual.

Headteacher Stephen Hammond said he wanted to reassure parents that swift action had been taken as soon as the situation became apparent.

All three cases are connected to the same social group of friends, and a total of 27 students identified as close contacts are currently self-isolating.

A specialist company will carry out the deep clean tomorrow (Wednesday) and the sixth form is expected to re-open on Thursday.

Mr Hammond said: “Due to the fact that all three confirmed cases relate to the same group of friends then we feel that a deep clean of the sixth form building is an appropriate response.”

He also stressed that the school was able to continue operating due to the creation of five separate protective year group “bubbles” covering Years 7-11 and another for Years 12 and 13.