Mount Carmel School has asked Year 10 students to stay at home today due to a positive coronavirus test in the group.

The school has also asked Year 9 students to stay home today because of a different positive coronavirus case from a Year 9 pupil.

On the school's website, headteacher Xavier Bowers said: “We will be in contact with Public Health NW first thing in the morning.

“Please can I stress in the strongest possible way how important it is that pupils in Y9 and Y10 self isolate tomorrow (Monday) at home and if any child shows any symptoms they get tested and stay self-isolating until they get the result.

“All pupils not affected in Y7, Y8 and Y11 should return to school tomorrow (Monday 14 September) as normal.

“Once again thank you for your patience and understanding with this matter and I will endeavour to keep you informed as best as I can as we all live through this pandemic.

“Please also take a good look at the ‘Pupil Absence Guidance’ we have put on our school website and use the out of hours contact number to report positive cases as soon as possible.

“In the meantime, please ensure your children are safe by always following government guidelines at home and in the community.”

Year 7 pupils at the school were asked to stay home on Friday after a student from the year group was the first in the school to test positive for the virus, however the year group have returned this morning.

The year 10 pupil is now the third pupil to test positive for coronavirus at the school.

The school has been contacted for further comment.