Northampton International Academy shuts and sends home all pupils today after new coronavirus cases

Northampton International Academy (NIA), on Barrack Road, has closed today with immediate effect until November 3.

A spokeswoman for NIA said: “We have had a small number of people test positive for COVID-19 along with others having to self-isolate due to the track and trace system.

"Whilst the number of cases represents a tiny fraction of the school population, we are very aware of staff and learner wellbeing and have made the difficult decision to close the ‘physical’ school to all learners from tonight (Tuesday).

"We are well prepared for this eventuality and have clear systems in place for our staff to deliver lessons remotely to minimise the disruption to our pupils’ learning and we look forward to welcoming our staff and pupils back after half-term."

Year 9 students and all sixth form pupils were sent home at the end of the school day yesterday and remote learning began for them today.

Parents whose children are in year 11, 8 and 7, have recieved a phone call today asking them to pick up their children from school before 1pm.

From tomorrow all learners in year 11, 12 and 13 will follow their normal timetable online while other year groups in year 7, 8, 9 and 10 will follow an alternative timetable with the majority of lessions broadcast online.

For pupils who receive free school meals, the school shall be making food packs available to support the more vulnerable families.

It comes as a tutor group and friendship group were sent home on Wednesday (October 7) from Northampton International Academy to self-isolate following a confirmed positive case. It was known to the Chronicle & Echo on in September that two members of staff were sent home to self-isolate after recieving positive test results.

Last night Weston Favell Academy announced in a statement on their website that the school will be closed to all pupils with immediate effect.

This sudden decision comes after the secondary school was faced with a shortage of staff due to increased numbers of staff having to self-isolate as a precaution against the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

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