A WINCHESTER school has been forced to close because so many staff are affected by Covid.

St Bede C of E Primary School in Hyde will close four days earlier than the planned last day of term this Thursday.

Announcing the emergency closure in an email to parents this morning, Sarah Duck, headteacher, urged parents not to bring their children to school.

She said: "Dear Parents, Unfortunately, we have been informed of another positive Covid Case within our community over the weekend. This has further affected the number of our teaching and support staff able to attend school in person and has resulted in us no longer being able to open the school safely.

"It is with real sadness that I therefore need to let you know that we will have to close the school for the remainder of this term. Teachers will offer learning online for the next four days until term ends on Thursday 22nd July.

As you are aware, we had tried to keep the school open for the end of term but have to acknowledge this is no longer possible, we hope that our community can stay safe and well. We look forward to welcoming you back in September."

It is thought to be the first time a whole school in the Winchester district has been completely closed by Covid.

According to the county council there are currently 16 schools in the Winchester district affected by Covid. They are:

Westgate

Bishop's Waltham Infant

Bishop's Waltham Junior

Curdridge Primary

Durley Primary

Harestock Primary

Otterbourne Primary

Sparsholt Primary

St Bede Primary

Upham Primary

Weeke Primary

Western Primary

Wickham Primary

Winnall Primary

Kings' Secondary

Swanmore Secondary

Henry Beaufort secondary