List of primary schools in Northampton closed to majority of students due to increasing Covid-19 risk

Some primary schools across Northampton have made the decision to move to remote learning for many of their pupils.

More than ten schools across the town will only reopen this week for children of keyworkers and at-risk pupils, as pressure mounts from teachers unions surrounding the safety of staff attendance as Covid-19 rates increase.

Northampton Primary Academy Trust, which is responsible for 11 schools in Northampton, will remain closed for most pupils.

An email to staff, from the trust’s CEO Julia Kedwards, seen by Chronicle & Echo, says schools will only open to ‘children of critical workers and vulnerable children.’

The message continues: “The decision is based on significantly depleted staff numbers as a result of Covid related self-isolation, illness or staff taking union advice to work from home.

“Despite the significant risk assessments and health and hygiene measures we have in place with the Covid rates so high in Northampton, and with the high transmission rates of the new Covid strain, we fully understand staff concerns.”

According to the email, the closure decision will be reviewed towards the end of this week.

Other schools have also confirmed that their students, who are not the children of keyworkers, will also move to remote learning this week.

Below is a list of 13 primary schools that will only reopen to keyworker and vulnerable children this week:

-Blackthorn Primary School

-East Hunsbury Primary School

-Headlands Primary School

-Abington Vale Primary School

-Ecton Brook Primary School

-Lings Primary School

-Rectory Farm Primary School

-Simon de Senlis Primary School

-Thorplands Primary School

-Upton Meadows Primary School

-Weston Favell C of E Primary School

-Kingsley Primary School

-St Andrew’s CEVA Primary School (remains open for keyworker children and vulnerable students but closed to others until January 15)

-All Saints CEVA Primary School (remains open for keyworker children and vulnerable students but closed to others until January 18)

Updates to follow, if more schools announce closures.

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