A PUPIL at King Edumund School, in Rochford, has tested positive for Covid-19.

Parents received a letter by email on Sunday evening.

The letter, sent to parents by headteacher, Jonathan Osborn, reads: "I am writing to let you know that on Sunday afternoon we were informed by a Year 13 student following a vocational path of study that they had received a positive Covid019 test result.

"Following this, as outlined in my [previous] letter, I contacted the Department for Education and worked with them and the student concerned to identify all those who had been in close contact with the student. 

"This work was concluded by 5pm and students were then contacted to let them know. A letter also went out to the families concerned on Sunday evening.

"The students identified are a small number of Year 13 students who meet the criteria definied for 'close contact'.

"I have included these criteria later in this letter for your reference. All students who are self-isolating will access and complete work remotely in line with how the school worked during lockdown.

The letter goes on to say: "We will be monitoring carefully how this works now that school is also continuing as normal for the vast majority of students.

"I know that there will be a variety of responses to this from both students and parents, but it is important to note the detail of what is close contact.

"It is also important for students that life can continue to take place safely, but as normally as possible. We are continuing to follow the advice given by Public Health England, which is that the school should remain open to all students and that all students should continue to attend if they remain well.

"The students who are self-isolating will do so 14 days and will then return to school. In the meantime, I will of course keep you updated on any further developments."