TWO Winchester schools have announced that they will partially close, with one saying that a number of staff and pupils are now self-isolating.

Kings’ School and Westgate School have today sent letters to parents informing them of the changes.

From tomorrow (Wednesday) certain year groups will be asked to remain at home following the Government announcement yesterday of  who should self-isolate or ensure social distance.

Kings School headteacher Matthew Leeming said there has been no confirmed cases of the virus within the school community.

“However, a substantial number of staff and pupils are now self-isolating; in the case of the staff this is because either they or a member of their immediate family is in one of the “vulnerable groups”. In one case, a member of staff is at home because their children are unwell.

“As such and with very great regret. I have made the decision that we must ask pupils in years 8 and 9 to remain home from Wednesday 18 March until further notice.”

However, two classrooms will be made available to a “limited number” of pupils who have no option of childcare.

The community centre at the school will also be closing with immediate effect.

And Fae Dean, headteacher at Westgate School, said it is now “in the position to need to put in to place partial closures until the end of this week”.

On Wednesday year 8 students will be asked to stay home, followed by year 9 on Thursday and year 10 on Friday, for one day only.

Mrs Dean added that all school fixtures and planned trips have been cancelled, and some school clubs may be cancelled.