A WORCESTER headteacher has been forced to close the school to pupils as coronavirus cases rise rapidly.

Nunnery Wood High School will now be shut until the start of the new term in September as headteacher, Stephen Powell, says they have had 19 positive tests today alone.

In a letter sent out to parents and carers Mr Powell explained all students must remain at home and study remotely due to how quickly cases are rising.

He said: "All Nunnery students to remain at home and study remotely until the end of term on July 16. This applies to all bands and all year groups.

"Over the past weeks, Nunnery has followed government guidance in tracking close contacts of positive covid cases in order to identify students who should self-isolate.

"Students and their families have been selfless in following this advice despite isolation having a hugely demoralising effect.

"Although these actions delayed the spread of Covid to a degree, no school measures are proving sufficient in preventing rapidly increasing numbers.

"For example:

• Today, Year 8 Y band returned to school after 10 days of isolation. They were tested on arrival and several positive cases were recorded.

• During the whole of last week, the school was notified of 18 positive cases. Today alone, (Monday 12) we have been notified of 19 positive PCRs showing how quickly the numbers are rising.

• Positive cases have been reported in all year groups and all bands.

• Increasing numbers of staff need to isolate.

"Positive cases will continue to accelerate this week meaning that growing numbers of students risk picking up the infection - or will need to isolate because of their contact with someone who has.

"Radical changes to our plans for this week – cancelling SMSC day, Sports Day and other activities - will not be sufficient to prevent this.

"The process of being sent home as a close-contact is traumatic for some students. Also, we are very aware that further isolation risks precious family holidays booked for the first week of the summer break.

"We will test on return, as expected by the government, but beyond that, we plan for school life to be as rich and as challenging as it was pre-Covid. Details of term start-times will be sent shortly.

"I hope that you have a peaceful summer with your families."