Pupils self-isolate after Hartlepool secondary school student tests positive for coronavirus

And a handful of other students at High Tunstall College of Science, in Elwick Road, Hartlepool, are also self-isolating for 14 days as they were part of the same school bubble as the teenager recovering from the virus.

The infected child, thought to be a Key Stage 4 pupil aged between 14-16, tested positive over the weekend and is not believed to have shown any prior symptoms at school.

Speaking on September 15, headteacher Mark Tilling said: “We have had one child test positive since we came back and anyone who came into contact with that child in school as part of the same bubble are also self isolating.

"As far as we are aware they are alright and no staff or anyone else has tested positive since we returned.”

Mr Tilling also praised both pupils and staff at the school, which has 1,251 students on its roll, for how they have adapted to new health and safety changes since returning for the start of the new academic year earlier this month.

He said: “The pupils and the staff have been absolutely fantastic. There are a lot of new changes and everyone has responded appropriately to the situation we are in and are working very hard.”

Elsewhere in Hartlepool, children and staff members from one class at Clavering Primary School, in Clavering Road, are self isolating at home after one child was confirmed as having contracted the virus.

Message from the Editor:

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

Subscribe to the Hartlepool Mail website and enjoy unlimited access to local news and information online and on our app.

With a digital subscription, you can read more than five articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content.

Visit here to sign up. You can subscribe to the newspaper with 20% off here. Thank you.