ANOTHER North-East school has closed to all pupils for fourteen days after a member of staff tested positive for Covid-19.

Portland Academy in Sunderland told parents that the school would completely close from Monday, September 14 until Monday, September 28. 

READ MORE: Middlesbrough school first to CLOSE in North-East after 5 Covid cases

In a statement Carolyn Morgan, chief executive of Ascent Academies' Trust, which runs the school, said teachers would switch to remote learning.

Ms Morgan said: "After a further member of staff tested positive for coronavirus this weekend, we have made the decision to close Portland Academy for the next fourteen days.

"Whilst the decision has not been an easy one, we feel it is the right one to keep our young people and staff safe. The academy will re-open for teaching on Monday 28th September.

"Teachers are well prepared to switch to remote learning and will be in touch with their families to discuss arrangements. We continue to work with Public Health England and the Local Authority and are keeping our website and social media updated."

Meanwhile, schools in Peterlee and Thornaby have reported new coronavirus cases, prompting the closure to some pupils and year groups. 

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Bader Primary School in Thornaby, near Stockton, confirmed a Year 5 pupil had tested positive for the virus last night.

In a statement, the school told parents: "We have a confirmed case of Covid-19 in the Year 5 group bubble.

"This bubble has been closed tonight as everyone in it has to self-isolate for 14 days.

"If your child is not in Year 5, they are not affected, and should attend school tomorrow at their normal gate drop-off time. Thank you for your co-operation."

Yesterday, Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic School in Peterlee told parents there had been a confirmed case within the site.

In a letter to parents, the school said it had succesfully identified those who had been in close contact with the individual and were now self-isolating.