Pupils in all year groups at academy are isolating

BURTON’S biggest school has pupils in every year group self-isolating as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

The de Ferrers Academy, which has three sites in the town, has said the pupils in every year group from years seven to 13 currently has pupils off selfisolating.

However, no whole year groups have been sent home.

The school, which is part of The de Ferrers Trust, has not had positive cases in every year and the pupils have been made to stay home for several reasons, including family members showing symptoms or testing positive.

Ian Mcneilly, chief executive of The de Ferrers Trust, has praised the staff for how they have handled the pandemic, as well as the pupils for their behaviour to protect those around them.

He said: “The de Ferrers Academy is in the top 10 per cent in the country when it comes to school size - it is very large, operates across three sites and we are responsible for more than 2,300 students.

“Like all schools, we have students who test positive for Covid.

“Due to its size, The de Ferrers Academy is statistically likely to have more than some others.

“In saying that, we are doing well in this regard due to the diligence of staff and the excellent and thoughtful behaviour of our students.

“No whole year groups have been sent home.

“Whenever a student tests positive for Covid, a detailed assessment of their contacts immediately takes place and affected students are told to self-isolate for the required period.

“We have managed to keep the numbers down to as few as possible in the circumstances.

“Everyone is doing a great job in unprecedented circumstances, frankly. Feedback from parents to school staff has been overwhelmingly positive and, as ever, we thank them for their cooperation and understanding.”

When asked, the school did not clarify how many pupils were off and how many pupils or staff had tested positive.

The news comes days after another school in the de Ferrers Trust - Landsdowne Academy - closed for at least two weeks amid growing numbers of staff testing positive.

It is one of a host of other schools in Burton, South Derbyshire and North West Leicestershire affected by the virus, with hundreds of pupils having to self-isolate.