Year 11 pupils from Axe Valley Academy have been sent home following confirmation of a COVID-19 case within the school.

This is the second time the school has had to send home students, with a single case of coronavirus detected last month. This affected a small number of students who have now returned.

Today, the school has been contacting parents to confirm that it has had another single positive COVID-19 case.

Headteacher Laura Jenkins said: "I can confirm that we are engaging fully with the Department for Education and Public Health England.

"I can also confirm that the student has not been in school for over a week and the family have been proactive and careful and they have been in full consultation with the school.

"I can also confirm that we have not been informed of any other students self-isolating due to displaying symptoms.

"We have taken the difficult decision to send all Year 11 students home today for their self-isolation period. We have contacted their parents and carers directly with information about their period of self-isolation as possible identified close contacts.

"I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Year 11 parents, carers and students for their calm, sensible and rapid response this morning.

"Even at this challenging time this community gives us exceptional support and I cannot thank them enough. If parents have any questions or concerns please don't hesitate to contact reception at your earliest convenience."

Axminster Community Primary School also had to send home students last month after one of its pupils tested positive for COVID-19.