MORE than 200 children at a Bridgwater school have been told to self-isolate after a pupil tested positive for the coronvirus.

Year 10 at Haygrove School was sent home after the result was revealed this week - while a Street school has also confirmed two positive tests among pupils.

A statement from the school said: "We have been informed today of one positive case of coronavirus within the school community at Haygrove School.

"Working with colleagues at Public Health England and at Somerset County Council’s Public Health Team, we undertook a risk assessment and identified the children who may have been in close contact with the confirmed case and asked them to self-isolate for 14 days from the date of last contact.

"With this advice and support we were able to act swiftly and take effective action.

"PHE has carried out a risk assessment and is satisfied with all the measures we are taking to keep our students safe. Our response includes a comprehensive deep clean of the affected areas.

"Clearly this has had an impact on the school community especially those students involved and their families."

The 213 Year 10 students would have 'access to comprehensive online resources', the school said, enabling them to continue their studies.

Crispin School, in Street, today (September 23) also confirmed positive coronavirus tests from two pupils.

Bridgwater Mercury:
POSITIVE TESTS: At Crispin School, in Street

"In recent days we have been informed of two positive cases of coronavirus within the school community at Crispin," a spokesperson said. 

"Working with colleagues at Public Health England and Somerset County Council’s Public Health Team we undertook a risk assessment and identified the children who may have been in close contact with the confirmed cases.

"Following national guidance, we have asked these students to self-isolate for 14 days since their last contact with the confirmed cases.

"With this support we were able to act swiftly and take effective action. This involves both the entire Year 8 and Year 9 groups."

Public Health have carried out a risk assessment and are satisfied with measures to keep students safe, the school said, including 'enhanced and robust cleaning procedures'.

These schools take the total to seven of schools in Somerset affected by the coronavirus since pupils were allowed to return.

They are: 
Haygrove School, Bridgwater
Crispin School, Street
Brookside Academy, Street
Parkfield School, Taunton
Bishop Fox's, Taunton
King of Wessex Academy, Cheddar
East Harptree School, Bath