Unity Academy announces partial closure to 'manage staff absence'

Addressing parents in a letter today, headteacher Stephen Cooke advised that the Warbreck Hill Road school would close to all pupils except those in years five, six and 11.

Mr Cooke said: "I do have to inform you that we have already hit the number of teaching staff absent which means we will need to move to a position of partial school closure, this is to ensure the safety of all students and staff.

"I therefore regret to inform you that as from tomorrow, Wednesday 18th March,the school will be closed to all students except those in years 5, 6 and 11.

"This is not in response to any specific health issue within those year groups but simply to help us manage large numbers of staff absence. This closure will be in place until further notice.

Mr Cooke added that work packs had been issued to all pupils, in anticipation of any potential further closures.