Member of staff at school’s Bexhill site tests positive for Covid-19

Battle Abbey School confirmed the employee works at its Prep School, based in Bexhill.

The school confirmed the news to parents on Tuesday (December 1).

On Wednesday (December 2), a spokesman for the school said: “Yesterday we were made aware that a Prep School staff member, based at our Bexhill site, had tested positive for COVID-19.

“We informed parents as soon as we were made aware and arranged for collection of those affected.

“A number of children have been in close contact with the individual who tested positive and they have received a letter informing them that, in line with current government advice, that their child must stay at home for 14 days. We are continuing to monitor the situation and are working closely with Public Health England.”

Battle Abbey School is the latest to report Covid-19 cases in the area in recent weeks.

On Monday (November 30), St Richard’s Catholic College, in Ashdown Road, Bexhill, wrote to parents to confirm that two members of its school community has tested positive for the virus. Students in close contact have been sent home to isolate.

Also on Monday, St Leonards Academy closed to all year groups, except year 11, for two weeks. Students will return on December 14.

Bexhill Academy was closed on November 19 and November 20 to all students and is currently employing a staggered reopening to bring all students back.

Ark Alexandra sent all students in year 7 and 8 home to isolate and closed its Helenswood campus for a deep clean. Year 8 students return today (Monday, November 30), while year 7 return on Wednesday (December 2).

Hastings Academy was closed for two weeks at the end of September following an outbreak of cases, but has since reopened.