MORE than 200 students at a Weymouth school must self-isolate as 'some positive cases of Covid-19' have been identified - leading to concerns about the mental health impact on children.

The whole of Year 10 at Budmouth Academy - 230 students - are now back to remote learning from home, just days after returning to the classroom.

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Some positive coronavirus cases were identified through the school's testing programme, which has seen each student already tested twice, with a third test planned for next week.

A single Covid case has also been confirmed at All Saints Church of England Academy in Weymouth.

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Budmouth students must now isolate for 10 days and are expected to be able to return to their classrooms on Tuesday, March 23 after taking a third coronavirus test.

The majority of Year 10 students only returned to school on Monday for the first time since January as the first step on the road map out of lockdown was taken.

Parents and councillors are concerned that the disruption to the pupils' lives is putting a strain on their mental health.

One parent of a Year 10 student, who preferred to remain anonymous, said: "It is so disappointing for my daughter who was really excited to get back to school and see her friends after remote learning for more than two months.

"She is absolutely gutted. She has been so fed up during lockdown and now she is pretty upset to be isolating again - it is not good for children to be stuck at home.

"However, we do all understand that we have to stick to the rules and follow the guidelines."

In a letter sent out to parents of Year 10 pupils on Wednesday, principal David Herbert said: "The testing programme today has identified some positive cases of Covid-19 in Year 10 at Budmouth Academy.

"We have followed the national guidance and been in communication with the Department for Education and Public Health England.

"Following a risk assessment, we have been advised to close Budmouth Academy to all Year 10 students and they are being instructed to remain at home and self-isolate for 10 days. They are not required to take any further action unless they develop symptoms, or feel unwell.

"It is very unfortunate that we have had to take this action so soon after returning, however, it is in the best interests of our school and wider community that we do so."