Three year groups have been sent home following six Covid-19 cases at an Ashford school.

Five pupils - two from Year 9, two from Year 8 and one from Year 7 - and a teacher have all tested positive for the virus at the John Wallis Academy.

The school, in Millbank Road, Stanhope, says it has now made the 'difficult decision' to send all pupils from Years 7, 8 and 9 home to isolate.

They will continue their studies online.

The school remains open for nursery, primary and Year 10 and 11 students, plus Sixth Form.

Damian McBeath, Principal, said: "Unfortunately, we have had two confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Year 9, two in Year 8 and a further one in Year 7.

"We have also had a teacher test positive for the virus.

"My colleagues and I have been in touch with Public Health England and continue to follow their advice and guidance.

"We have always prioritised the safety of our pupils and students, their families and the wider Academy community.

"Following these recent cases, we took the difficult decision to close the bubbles in Years 7, 8 and 9.

"Learning for these year groups is continuing online, through Microsoft Teams.

"The Academy remains open for pupils in our Nursery and in our Primary, and students in Years 10 and 11 and our Sixth Form.

"Our teachers are now working incredibly hard, teaching a blend of face-to-face lessons for the older Year groups and lessons online for those students working from home.

"We have applied to the Department for Education for an additional 45 lap-tops to ensure that all our families have access to lessons.

"I could not be prouder of the dedication and commitment shown by staff during this difficult period.

"Throughout this term all staff, from our cleaners and site team to our teachers have worked tirelessly to keep our school open and keep our community safe.

"We have received a lot of messages of support from parents and remain committed to delivering an excellent education for all students whether that is here at the Academy or through home learning."

Yesterday it was revealed that the whole of Year 8 at Homewood School in Tenterden had been sent home to isolate.

Today marked the first day vaccines are being administered across Kent.

Kenneth Lamb, a great grandfather, was the first to receive the jab at the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford.

Read more: All the latest news from Ashford

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