JOHN Kyrle High School will close early for the summer break due to the number of Covid-19 cases.

In a letter to parents today (July 14), headteacher Nigel Griffiths said there has been a number of positive cases in Years 7, 8 and 9, with Year 9 in particular ‘the hardest hit’.

“We have spoken with the local authority who have, in turn, discussed the matter with Public Health,” his letter said.

“Public Health have advised that we should shut early for the summer break as a ’firebreak’. JKHS will therefore be closed on Thursday July 15 and Friday July 16.

"This is not a decision we have made lightly,” Mr Griffiths added. “We know that students have missed a lot of school this year. We also understand that this may be inconvenient for parents and carers. Nevertheless, we have to act on the advice Public Health and Herefordshire Local Authority.

“Students who are not self-isolating should continue to maintain social distancing and follow hygiene advice, as well as catch it, kill, bin it.

“Those who are self-isolating must continue to do so.

Highlighting that the situation has been ‘very fast moving’, Mr Griffiths said staff had been ‘outstanding’ in the way cases at the school have been handled.

“I am also very grateful for the support from parents and carers,” he added.

“I hope you all manage to have a restful, relaxed summer,” the letter continued. “School reopens on September 6 for Years 7, 11 and 12 and for everyone else on Tuesday September 7.”