FIVE year groups sent home at Doncaster school after coronavirus outbreaks

Pupils in Year 8, 10, 11, 12 and 13 at Trinity Academy, Thorne are studying from home following positive cases in several different year groups, a school spokesperson confirmed.

Each year group will have to self-isolate for 14 days.

The academy, which opened in September 2005 and replaced Thorne Grammar School, is part of Emmanuel Schools Foundation and teaches about 1200 pupils aged 11 to 18.

Pupils in the affected year groups have been told to complete work on Microsoft Teams. The school remains open for years 7 and 9.

A post on its Twitter page said staff will deliver 60 per cent of weekly lessons or Year 11 students live from from 21 October.

The Academy Principal, Wendy Adeniji, said: “It is with great sadness that the decision has had to be made to stand down the students for a two week period. During this time, we have instigated a programme of remote learning for students, including work set using education technology, and delivering live lessons wherever possible.

"Our priority has been to continue to maintain as much normality for youngsters at the Academy in terms of their education, whilst ensuring that the health and welfare of our students and staff is paramount.”

Ms Adeniji said a “rigorous timetable” of daily deep cleans, alongside the use of facemasks, hand sanitiser and appropriate social distancing measures between staff and students is in place at the school.

She added: “It is an exceptionally challenging time for all concerned and our best wishes go out to all the families of the staff and students who have been affected.”