Bexhill and Battle school sites send pupils home after more Covid-19 cases

Two members of staff at Battle Abbey Prep School in Bexhill have tested positive, with all 79 Key Stage 2 pupils now self-isolating at home.

This week at the Abbey site in Battle, a sixth form pupil was also confirmed to have the virus. As a result, 63 Year 12 students were sent home.

A deep clean will be carried out at both sites over the Christmas break to ensure a safe return for pupils.

School spokesman James Dennett told the Observer: “Last week we were made aware that a prep school staff member, based at our Bexhill site, had tested positive for Covid-19.

“We informed parents as soon as we were made aware and arranged for collection of those affected. Since then a second prep school member of staff has tested positive, the result being that all the pupils in Key Stage 2 at the Bexhill site are now self isolating at home and being taught remotely via the schools online learning platforms.

“This week at the Abbey site a sixth form pupil received a positive test and, in line with current guidance, the entire Year 12 cohort are currently offsite as well, again, all being taught online.”

He added: “All children who have been in close contact with any of the individuals who tested positive received a letter that day informing them that, in line with current government advice, that their child must stay at home for 14 days.

“We have subsequently stepped up our cleaning programme and will conduct a thorough deep clean over the Christmas break. We are continuing to monitor the situation at both Battle and Bexhill sites and are working closely with Public Health England.”

As Covid-19 infection rates continue to rise across Hastings and Rother, a number of other schools have been forced to send pupils home or temporarily close in recent weeks, including St Richards Catholic College, Bexhill Academy, St Leonards Academy, Hastings Academy and Ark Alexandra.