A YEAR group at a Somerset school has been told to self isolate after a positive Covid-19 test among pupils.

Parents of Year 9 pupils at the West Somerset Community College have been informed of the test result in a letter, which tells them their children must self isolate until October 12.

The college addressed the situation in a post on social media.

It said: "All parents/carers will have received one of two letters from us regarding a confirmed Covid-19 case within the school.

"If you have a child in Year 9, they must self isolate until Monday, October 12," it added.

Other year groups have been advised to attend school, unless a child displays symptoms of Covid-19.

A spokesperson for West Somerset College said: “In recent days we have been informed of a positive case of coronavirus within the school at West Somerset College. 

“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 case.

"Following national guidance around close contacts with a confirmed case, we have asked all students from year 9 to self-isolate at home until Monday, October 12, which will be 14 days since their last contact with the confirmed case.

“Public Health have carried out a risk assessment and are satisfied with all the measures we’re taking to keep students safe. These include the robust and enhanced cleaning procedures we have implemented throughout the day.

“I must stress that children self-isolating at home do not need to get a test unless they develop symptoms. If any other students become symptomatic and are awaiting tests or results, they must self-isolate and must not come to school. 

“Clearly this has had an impact on the school community, those pupils involved and their families. However, please be reassured that the affected year group will have comprehensive online resources building on the curriculum they would be following at school, while they are self-isolating.

“If any other students become symptomatic and are awaiting tests or results, they must self-isolate and must not come to school.”