CLASSROOMS at a secondary school and sixth form college in Herefordshire have been "deep cleaned" after a student tested positive for coronavirus.

Headteacher at Ledbury's John Masefield High School Andrew Evans said a year 12 student had tested positive for Covid-19 last Monday (March 8).

It's understood the case was found during a round of rapid testing, which staff and pupils at school and colleges across the country have been encouraged to take part it since fully reopening earlier this month.

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Mr Evans said: "Covid-19 testing has been working well with students testing themselves in supervised conditions carefully and sensibly.

"There has been one positive test so far on Monday for a year 12 student and we were able to rapidly identify close contacts so that they could self-isolate.

"Classrooms were deep cleaned and parents of close contacts were notified and they collected their child quickly.

Hereford Times: The coronavirus testing hub at John Masefield High School in Ledbury The coronavirus testing hub at John Masefield High School in Ledbury

"At the time of writing [Friday] all students have had their second test and older students their third test.

"All students will have completed their third test by Monday, March 15.

"We are issuing home test kits with instructions when students have their third test in school."

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Testing has so far been at the school in Mabel’s Furlong, but parents will soon be expected to help their child take the lateral flow test at home.

The kits do not need to be processed by a laboratory, and can give a result in 30 minutes.

In the five-page letter to parents on Friday, Mr Evans added: "It has been an excellent first week back for all students.

"All are behaving in a considerate way, respectful of the safety of others. Students are working productively in class, producing high quality work and helping their teachers lead excellent lessons.

"We now need to build on this impressive start and make the most of every day and every lesson."