St Leonards school closes after confirming Covid-19 case

Churchwood Primary Academy, in Church in the Wood Lane, announced yesterday (Friday, December 11) that the school would shut, except for pupils of critical workers and students considered vulnerable.

The school said it had confirmed a case of Covid-19 within the academy, meaning the school would close with immediate effect.

Churchwood Primary Academy is the latest school in Hastings and St leonards to confirm Covid-19 cases.

Earlier this week, West St Leonards Primary Academy, in Harley Shute Road, St Leonards, confirmed two Covid-19 cases.

Ark Alexandra Academy sent home year 7 students last week and on Thursday morning (December 10) announced an emergency school closure for year 8.

Baird Primary Academy also sent all students home on Thursday morning due to Covid-19.

That school is shut to everyone except children of critical workers and vulnerable students.

The University of Brighton Academies Trust, which runs Churchwood Primary Academy, said: “It is with regret that we have recorded a confirmed case within our academy community. We have taken the difficult decision to close the academy to all year groups with immediate effect.

“We will remain open to children of critical workers or to pupils who are considered vulnerable.

“The decision to close is due to further staff members now being required to self-isolate. Which means we are unable to maintain the appropriate level of staffing needed to operate the Academy safely at full capacity.

“We will now move our learning online to support our students during this closure and look forward to welcoming back our pupils in the New Year.

“We want to take this opportunity to thank all our families for their continued support and understanding during these challenging times.”

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