An Atherstone headmaster has partially closed a school after admitting it can no longer "safely educate" all the pupils on site because of the impact of Government measures in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.

Year 8 students at The Queen Elizabeth Academy have been told to study at home after the educational establishment was hit by "significant" levels of absence from staff self-isolating.

They have been told by executive principal Andrew Wilson to "assume" they will not return for more than a month – until at least after the Easter holidays on April 20.

In a letter to all parents of the 586-intake school, Mr Wilson reiterates the health and safety of students, staff and the wider academy community is his number one priority.

He says the school has closely followed all Government guidance since the virus outbreak.

Mr Wilson added: "We have also taken all the necessary precautions since the national outbreak to prevent it from impacting our academy and to keep students safe.

"Whilst the Government has not announced the widespread closure of schools, unfortunately the cumulative impact of the current measures has led to significant levels of staff absence.

"Therefore, regrettably I have to inform you that we are no longer able to safely educate all year groups on site."

He explained from today, year 8 pupils will be "asked to stay at home".

Mr Wilson said he is ever hopeful the situation will "change for the better soon", but added: "As the isolation period is now set at 14 days, it is unlikely that this situation will improve before the Easter holiday."

"So, please assume that your child should not return to the academy until after the break which runs from Monday April 6 until Friday April 17."

Mr Wilson went on: "As always, we are committed to ensuring that our pupils receive the best possible education and will be working hard to minimise the impact of the closure on your child's education.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank you wholeheartedly for your understanding and ongoing support in helping us to manage this unprecedented situation."

The latest guidance on cornavirus can be seen here.