Six more Northampton schools implement partial closures due to coronavirus

A number of schools across Northampton have made the decision to partially close.

Northampton School for Boys, Malcolm Arnold Academy and Greenfields Specialist School for Communication all announced yesterday that they would be closing completely or closing for some year groups.

Now a further six schools have announced partial closures.

Below is a list of the schools, details of the closures and any statements issued by head teachers.

Campion School

The school is closed to year seven, eight and nine from today (March 18).

In a statement on the school’s website headteacher, Patricia Hammond, said: “Our primary consideration remains keeping our community safe and well.

“In view of the rapidly changing and unprecedented circumstances, we have been forced to make a decision earlier than anticipated.

“With effect from Wednesday March 18 we will be closed to years 7, 8 and 9.

“School will remain open to years 10, 11, 12 and 13. We need to support the students and families of those who have exams this year to ensure they are not disadvantaged and maximise opportunities to get the best results they can in their summer examinations.

“We are in the process of producing on-line resources for all students.

“We, like you, are acting on advice from the Government.

“This is an unprecedented situation and we thank you for your patience and understanding in the circumstances.”

Kingsthorpe College

Partial closure in place for year eight and nine.

In a letter written to parents and posted online, headteacher, Jennifer Giovanelli, said: “The health and safety of our students and staff is our main priority.

“With this in mind, and the unprecedented situation we find ourselves in, I am writing to inform you of the planning we are putting in place to keep the school open for as long as possible.

“As you are probably aware, the government’s guidance on coronavirus has changed from the ‘contain’ to the ‘delay’ phase.

“This update is to let you know what we are doing in light of this and to help make sure our school community keeps safe and calm.

“We would like to reassure you that we are taking all of the necessary steps to protect our community and are continuing to follow official guidance from Public Health England and the Government.

“The current staffing situation means that for the foreseeable future we will implement a partial school closure to Years 8 and 9 so that the College can operate safely.

“We will reopen to these year groups as soon as staff numbers allow us to do so.”

Weston Favell Academy

The school is closed for year seven, eight and nine students until March 30.

As part of a letter to parents, principal Lorna Leventhal, said: “Following the most recent government guidelines, several colleagues have been forced to self-isolate at home in response to recent government guidelines.

“For safeguarding purposes our risk assessment now indicates that it is necessary to reduce the number of pupils in school.

“With regret, I am requesting that all pupils in Year 9 remain at home to return back to school on Monday 30th March. We will keep you informed of any changes.

“At the moment, all other year groups should be in school as normal.”

Moulton School

The school is closed from today (March 18) to year eight, nine and ten.

Head teacher Angie Dabbs said: “Moulton School will be closed from today to Years 8, 9 and 10. We will remain open to Years 7, 11, 12 and 13.

“We will also accommodate the children of medical and emergency service key workers (NHS staff, Police, Fire Service and Ambulance).

“We apologise for the disruption this will cause. We remain committed to supporting our community in the best ways we can at this very difficult and challenging time. We will continue to update you daily.”

Sponne School

Year eight and nine will not be expected to attend the school in Towcester.

A message posted on the school’s website said: “Mr Massey (head teacher) has taken the decision to partially close the school from, Wednesday March 18, 2020.

“School will remain open for Years 7, 10, 11 and 13 but will be closed for other students.

“This decision has not been taken lightly, but we are experiencing increasing numbers of staff having to self-isolate for seven 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 do not hesitate to contact Mr Massey if you have any queries.”

Billing Brook School

The sixth form centre at Billing Brook is closed.

A message on the school’s website says: “We have no known or suspected cases at this time.

“Billing Brook is following the most up to date advice being given to schools by the Department for Education and Public Health England.

“This includes protecting those pupils and staff who are vulnerable and need to socially distance themselves.

“The impact of this is that the number of staff unable to work is rising rapidly and in order to keep the pupils safe we have had to take the decision to close the 6th Form Centre as it is the most affected part of the school.

“We shall try to keep as much of the school open as staffing levels allow for as long as possible.”

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