Over 250 pupils and staff at a school have been told to self-isolate before the summer term.

Yavneh College in Borehamwood has closed the school early after a large spike of Covid cases, and the final days before the summer term will continue with remote learning.

The school itself was approaching the end of the summer term next Wednesday (July 21), and pupils would have remained at the school until then before the outbreak became clear.

In a letter issued to parent, headteacher Spencer Lewis said the decision was made after discussions with the local authority.

The letter read: “As you will know, we have had a large number of positive Covid-19 cases among students and staff in the last few days resulting in well over 250 pupils and staff self-isolating,

“I am so very sorry that I have had to take this decision which is the last thing I wanted to do.”

According to Public Health England data, in the week ending July 10, there were 21 cases in Borehamwood Hilllside ward, where Yavneh College is based.

There were also 33 cases in Borehamwood Brookmeadow, 20 in Kenilworth, and 17 in Cowley Hill.