Full year group isolating at Wigan secondary school

In a statement posted on Facebook on Thursday the school said it had faced a challenging first week of pupils returning to classes.

The school said eight staff members, including five in the administration team, are also isolating.

Head teacher Julian Grant said: "The decision to send home students and ask staff to isolate is not one I take lightly. However, we must continue to follow the Government guidance and keep our school community safe.

We appreciate the frustration our parents feel, and unfortunately we may have to isolate further year groups as we carry out additional tests of each cohort.

"All schools will face the same challenges in the coming weeks and as the council and Public Health have previously stated schools are doing their best to manage the situation at a local level."

Shevington High said the staff absences had made testing the pupils difficult.

Mr Grant also said some staff at the school had received abuse over the phone and on social media and urged parents to be mindful of the demands they are currently facing when getting in contact.

He also said the phone lines had been busier than normal.

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