Fleetwood's Rossall School to split into two zones to reduce Covid-19 threat

And to enable the plans to be put into effect, the school will be closed to day pupils tomorrow, except for the nursery and junior school.

As of Monday next week, the independent school will operate within two distinct zones.

Staff and pupils will be alloted to either the Day School (Nursery to Year 13) or the Boarding School (Years 9-13).

The school says the decision to split the school has been made to further reduce the risk of transmission for all members of the Rossall community and to enable the school to continue to operate effectively.

The headmaster of Rossall School, Mr Jeremy Quartermain commented today: “There are no cases of Covid-19 at Rossall and none in the area local to Rossall.

“The risk to our students remains extremely low and I am aware that some will consider our confinement policy overly cautious.

"However, we are resolved to ensure that Rossall School leads the way in terms of taking sensible measures to protect each and every member of our community.

"We are committed to taking sensible steps to minimise risk whilst continuing to deliver an outstanding quality of education.”

Only this week, the school's swimming pool, which has been used by other schools, has been closed this week.

From next week, two distinct zones of a Day School and Boarding School will be operational from Monday morning.

To enable the school to put this in place, with the exception of the nursery and junior school, Rossall will be closed to day pupils tomorrow.

Mr Quartermain added: "Whilst the school will operate within two distinct zones, we are committed to ensuring minimal disruption to teaching and learning.

"By doing this, we have ensured that Rossall will remain a calm and safe haven for all our children throughout the coming weeks.

"We intend to remain open for as long as possible but we are fully prepared to operate remotely - for our day children - if directed to do so by the government.

"The measures put in place will be reviewed on a daily basis and any amendment/update will continue to be communicated to all members of their community."