BLACKBURN high schools have partially closed due to coronavirus.

Witton Park Academy will be closed for year 8 and 9 pupils from tomorrow (Wednesday).

A spokesman said: "The update from central government, outlined below, has resulted in staff needing to start household self isolation.

"Family members are showing symptoms of a continuous cough.

"We are therefore unable to effectively cover classes in school. From Wednesday, school is closed for pupils in year 8 and 9.

"We remain open to Year 7, as they are our youngest pupils in school and year 10 and 11, who need to continue their GCSE studies.

"If parents of year 8 and 9 pupils are employed in any of the health and emergency services we can still support you. Please could you contact the main school office if you need to come into school.

"Teaching staff will, wherever possible, set work on Google Classroom for year 8 and 9 to complete.

"We have received no information regarding planning for any disruption to public

examinations for Year 10 and 11. Rest assured as soon as we know the situation we will update you all.

"We will continue to support year 11 as best as we can in school."

Peter Tite, headteacher of Our Lady & St John Catholic College, North Road, Blackburn, has closed the school to years 8, 9 and 10 for the rest of the week. Years 7 and 11 should attend as normal.

A statement said: “We will update you before the end of the week with next week’s arrangements.

“We have prioritised Year 11 as they are preparing for examinations and Year 7 as they are most likely to need your supervision and affect your own capacity to work.

“We have sent a text message today asking you to notify school if you work in the NHS or other frontline job.

“Please let us know if this is the case as it will help us contingency plan in case of a long term closure. We will do all we can to support our local community in the fight against the coronavirus.”