Corby schoolchildren sent home due to staff shortages linked to Covid

Year seven and eight pupils at Kingswood Secondary Academy in Corby will be taught from home from Thursday

A Northamptonshire school has sent two year groups home following teacher illnesses and supply staff shortages linked to Covid.

Kingswood Secondary Academy in Corby wrote to year seven and eight parents informing them of the decision to resume learning from home.

It said the area was "experiencing a shortage of supply teachers to cover staff who are unwell".

The school said pupils would not return until after the Christmas break.

In a statement to the BBC, a spokeswoman said: "Due to staff shortages, linked to Covid-19, we have therefore made the difficult decision to transition years seven and eight to remote learning until the end of term.

"Throughout the pandemic, our team of dedicated staff has brilliantly supported our pupils with their remote learning, and has ensured they are in regular contact with pupils and families to check on their education and welfare, which will of course continue during this period."

Hard copies of lessons would be sent to children without internet access, the school told parents.

The academy closes for the Christmas on 17 December and the year groups would not return before the holidays began, the school said.