More Northampton schools announce partial closures amid COVID-19 pandemic

Two further schools in Northampton have announced partial closures due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Both Northampton Academy and Guilsborough School will partially close, meaning certain year groups will be asked to stay at home.

Nine schools in and around Northampton have already announced full or partial closures this week.

Now Northampton Academy will be closed to year nine and ten from tomorrow (March 19).

In a letter posted on the school’s website, principal Nat Parnell, said: “From Thursday March 19, 2020, and until further notice, children in year groups 9 and 10 are required to remain at home.

“If you are the parent/carer of a year 9 or 10 student who works in healthcare, emergency services or schools, you are welcome to continue to send your son/daughter to school despite the year group closures.

“As Principal, I feel we need to support the front-line services at this very difficult time and allowing your child to attend school is one way of doing this.

“At the point of any full school closure this provision will be reviewed.

“These are incredible times and our community spirit and ethos is being tried and tested.

“We have not been found wanting; I remain proud of the determination, positivity and optimism that is shown by our staff, students and you: their families.”

Guilsborough School will be closed to year eight, nine and ten from tomorrow.

A statement on the school website says: “Mrs Swales has taken the decision to partially close the school from tomorrow morning, Thursday March 19, 2020.

“School will remain open for Years 7, 11, 12 and 13, but will be closed for other students.

“As per the government directive we have worked really hard to stay fully open as long as possible.

“However, we are experiencing increasing numbers of staff having to self-isolate for 7 or 14 days, mostly due to family members with symptoms, and we cannot cover all the lessons.

“A letter has been emailed to all parents with further information.

“We are continually monitoring government advice and responding accordingly. Please see our website for further updates.”

Sunnyside Primary Academy is also closing for reception students from tomorrow.

In a letter posted online, the headteacher said: "As an Academy, the health and wellbeing of our pupils, staff and the wider community is, as always, our absolute priority. We take our duty of care extremely seriously and every decision is made with the best interests of your children in mind.

"We are therefore, continuing to closely follow the latest advice and guidance from the Government and Public Health England in what is a rapidly changing and developing situation.

"Whilst the Government has not announced the widespread closure of schools, unfortunately, the cumulative impact of the latest, and more robust, self-isolation guidance, has led to significant levels of staff absence.

"Therefore, we have reluctantly taken the decision to temporarily close the Academy to pupils in EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage).

"This partial closure has become necessary, as we do not have the appropriate staffing levels to continue to deliver the provision we normally offer across the whole school.

"We ask that pupils in EYFS do not come to school from Thursday March 19, 2020 until Thursday April 2, 2020 and instead remain at home.

"As you will note, this period includes the Easter holiday which will run from Monday April 6 until Monday April 20."

Are any other Northampton schools closed? Let us know if you know of any other schools not already included in this list.