THE whole of the lower sixth form year group at Ripon Grammar School has been sent home to stop the spread of Covid.

The school says it has received confirmation that a 'significant number' of its lower sixth students have been asked to self-isolate after coming into contact with students who have tested positive for the Covid virus.

In a letter sent to parents today, headmaster Jonathan Webb explained the 'difficult decision' to send home the lower sixth students came following regular contact with Public Health England.

The Upper Sixth formers have already finished their term and left school and online learning will be provided for the 158 students remaining in the lower sixth year group.

Mr Webb wrote: "In the light of the fact that we have had a significant number of new confirmed cases amongst our Sixth Form students this morning, and in discussion with Public Health England, we have made the difficult decision to ask the whole year group to return home from this afternoon and we will switch to online learning for the whole Lower Sixth Form.

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"The reason for this decision is to endeavour to stop further spread of Covid amongst the year group.

"Lessons and resources will be on Teams and we expect that all students will attend their lessons for the remainder of this week."

All the students are expected to be back in school for the final week of term which starts on Monday, July 19.

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