A SCHOOL has been forced to close until the end of term due to a significant rise in the number of positive Covid cases.

A letter to parents from Northallerton School and Sixth Form College said the staff and students were having the self-isolate due to the recent increase.

Headteacher Vicki Rahn said lessons would continue for most pupils online and that the school would be open to the children of key workers.

The letter said: “I am writing to inform you that unfortunately, we have made the very difficult decision to close the school and move to online learning to all students except those classed as vulnerable or children of key workers.

“The number of students with positive tests has continued to increase during the last few days resulting in a significant number of students self-isolating.

“We have also got a significant number of staff self-isolating and, after taking advice from Public Health, it has been decided that the closure of the school until the end of term is the most appropriate way to ensure the safety and well-being of our school population.”

Live lessons will start on Thursday and continue until term ends next Wednesday.

Students are expected to follow the normal timetable, log on using links provided for that subject and attendance will be monitored.

Mrs Rahn said: “Students do not need a microphone or camera as the lessons will be audio based.

“If your child has been identified as a close contact of a positive Covid case they will still need to self-isolate and should not come to school even if they are classed as vulnerable or the child of a key worker.

“We will ensure each self-isolating student is clear about when their isolation comes to an end.

“Students are still expected to continue to test twice a week at home until the end of term.

“Please continue to inform the school of the test results, especially if result is positive as we will need to contact trace.

“We are trying to minimise the number of children in school, if you are a key worker or a parent of a vulnerable child please only send your child to school if absolutely necessary.”

Staff and pupils are moving to a new school site in September.

Mrs Rahn said: “I realise that this is not the end to the school year that we were all hoping for and I would like to thank you for your continued support at this difficult time.

“We will be in touch very soon regarding arrangements for the autumn term and moving to the new site.”