Kenilworth School confirms it is 'remaining fully open as usual' after student tests positive for Covid-19

Kenilworth School has confirmed that one of its students has tested positive for Covid-19.

After liaising with Public Health England and the local Health Protection Team, the school has made the decision to keep the school 'fully open as usual' - but 19 pupils who sat near the student, or are friends of his, should remain at home for the time being.

In a letter to parents, they said that the reason for this is because the pupil had not been in school since Friday September 11 and only reported symptoms on Saturday September 12.

Parents of those students who were sitting near to the student on Friday have been informed and advised that their child should remain at home until Public Health England advise the school further.

The school said its new internal trace and trace system - where teachers are asked to keep seating plans - had worked.

Talking to the Weekly News and Courier, Headteacher Hayden Abbott said he reported the matter to Public Health England and got advice from the Department of Education's new coronavirus helpline - and that the course of action they have taken is the correct one, according to the authorities.

"We have done the right thing and the school's internal trace and trace system has worked," he added.

The school said that the pupil affected is suffering only mild symptoms.

The letter added: "This does however provide a useful reminder of how important it is that the measures we have in school to help prevent the spread of infection are followed and also how vital it is to respond swiftly if any household members present with symptoms of COVID-19.

"We will be reminding all students and staff of these points on an ongoing basis."