College near Bedford hit by coronavirus after pupil tests positive

Parents have been alerted after a pupil who was self-isolating since Saturday tested positive for Covid-19.

The Year 12 student informed Kimberley College, in Stewartby; and the Wootton Academy Trust - which operates the school - informed all parents and carers yesterday evening (September 10).

One parent - who wanted to remain anonymous - said: "Some students have been asked not to attend college today.

"My son was expected to still attend as he had not had direct contact, but he is a good friend of two of those asked to stay at home due to contact with the affected student.

"We have taken the decision to keep him at home today as we have very vulnerable elderly family members."

She added: "On trying to get some form of testing it has proved impossible unless we have symptoms; surely by the time we display symptoms it could mean that others have potentially been affected. We will self-isolate but this is a truly ridiculous situation."

A spokesman for Wootton Academy Trust said it was impressed with the student’s prompt actions in immediately self-isolating, getting a test and then letting the college know. And added it wished the student a speedy recovery.

Michael Gleeson, executive principal of Wootton Academy Trust, said: ”Sadly, the trust is very aware the number of confirmed Covid 19 cases is increasing nationally and this is likely to be the case locally too. Therefore, everyone in the Wootton Academy Trust community, as well as the wider Bedford community, needs to remember to continue to follow government guidance.

“We will continue to remind everybody at Wootton Academy Trust of how important it is that they do this and we are confident that other schools and colleges will be doing the same in their settings.

“The trust is grateful to Public Health England, the local authority, its health and safety competent person, Sherryl Cousins, and others for their advice and support of trust staff."

The school is still open and there is a continual enhanced cleaning service in operation, confirmed a school spokesman.