A SCHOOL in Worcester will close for the remaining two days of term after more confirmed covid cases.

Christopher Whitehead Language College is to close for the summer early following discussions between the school and Public Health England.

In a letter to parents headteacher Neil Morris said: "After detailed discussion with Public Health, governors and senior staff, sadly, I feel we have no alternative but to ‘shut’ the school for the last two days of the summer term.

"Believe me, I know the irony of this decision on the day a lot of restrictions are being lifted, ‘Freedom Day’.

"Online lessons will occur on Tuesday and for Year 10/12 key exam work has been set.

"I feel desperately sad for students who are, once again, denied their end of year rites of passage: saying goodbye to beloved departing staff and friends who they may not see for a while.

"The difficulties we have had in staffing the school, upwards of fifteen teaching staff absent daily, has been exacerbated this weekend with significant, increasing numbers of students testing positive for COVID or awaiting results from their PCR tests.

"We have 277 students absent today and this is rising."

He added that primary school closures have also made staff childcare difficult along with staff being 'pinged' by the track and trace app.

Packed lunches for those students who receive free school meals will be available from the arts block reception at break time one on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Mr Morris added: "May I take this opportunity to thank you for your support and good will.

"I hope you have a safe, COVID free holiday."