TWO secondary schools in Colchester have sent groups of students home to self-isolate after confirming cases of coronavirus.

Youngsters from St Helena School, in Sheepen Road, and Colchester Academy, in Hawthorn Avenue, will quarantine for 14 days, with both schools confirming the positive cases today.

Both schools remain open for the majority of students and said they are following Department for Education, Essex County Council and Public Heath England guidance.

Fiona Pierson, headteacher of St Helena School, said: “A member of our St Helena community, has tested positive for COVID-19.

“Following advice from the Essex Test and Trace team we have followed their advice and established a list of close contacts. These close contacts have all been notified.

“Students who are isolating at home will now receive a distance learning package and the school will be providing IT equipment for families who require it.

“As always I would like to thank the St Helena community for their support during what continues to be challenging period for everyone.”

Read more >>> Coronavirus: Positive case confirmed at St Helena School in Colchester

Colchester Academy announced someone in the school community had tested positive for the virus in an email sent to parents on Tuesday.

It said only a “small number” of children had been sent home following the positive case.

Principal Jenny Betts said: “We are aware that these are worrying and frustrating times, and would like to thank all of our school community for their continued support.

“Students who are isolating are now learning at home.

“I would like to take this opportunity to commend both staff and students at Colchester Academy for their resilience and flexibility and the manner in which they are constantly adapting to the level of change we have never seen before.”

Read more >>> Coronavirus: Students self-isolating after case at Colchester Academy

On Monday The Gilberd School, in Brinkley Lane, Colchester, confirmed three members of the school community had tested positive for Covid-19.

A total of 26 students and staff were sent home to self-isolate following the news.

Read more >>> Coronavirus: Three cases confirmed at The Gilberd in Colchester