Coronavirus in Derbyshire: Decision on school closures in England ‘imminent’

With 1,950 confirmed cases as of yesterday, schools are closing for the protection of staff and pupils.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said today: “The House should expect further decisions to be taken imminently on schools and how to make sure we square the circle both of making sure we stop the spread of the disease but also making sure we relieve, as much as we can, pressure on our NHS.”

The list is correct as of Wednesday morning (March 18) and we’ll be updating it as more closures come in.

Matlock Bath Holy Trinity CofE Primary School

“Due to us being unable to staff our school safely and adequately, we have had to make the decision to CLOSE to ALL children effective immediately. Sincerest of apologies for any inconvenience this will cause to our families; this decision has not be taken lightly! Please look after each other.”

Glossopdale School

“School closed for students in Year 7, 8 and 9 due to staffing shortages as a result of the coronavirus. School is open to Year 11,12 and 13. Year 10 students are on work experience this week.”

Queen Elizabeths Grammar School, Ashbourne Academy

“Due to significantly increased staff absence following recent Government advice and our inability to staff all lessons for all year groups,Y9 will not be in school onWednesday 18th March. (Y7, Y8, Y10, Y11, Y12 & Y13 should attend school as normal).”

New Mills School “In order to preserve the health and safety of both staff and pupils, New Mills School will be open for Year 11 and Year 7 students only on Wednesday 18th March, and closed for all other year groups.”

Highfields School

Highfields School will be open ONLY to years 7, 11, sixth form and children of keyworkers who need childcare on Wednesday 18 March due to a significant number of staff staying at home in line with recent Government guidance on self-isolation. We will re-evaluate on a daily basis. Please check the school website for the latest details.

Parkside Community School

School closed to KS3 students from Wednesday 18 March. This is due to staff who will not be able to come to school following the Government announcement regarding self-isolation.School open for Y10 and Y11 students.

Dronfield Henry Fanshawe School School closed due to a significant number of staff who will not be able to come to school following the Government announcement regarding self-isolation.

Belper School and Sixth Form Centre

Following national guidance around social distancing, rapidly increasing levels of student illness and worsening staffing issues due to self-isolations, we will have to close the school with effect from Monday 23 March 2020 until at least the Easter holidays. We want to give you advance notice so that you can make child care arrangements. However, please be aware that national guidance may be updated, or the situation at school may accelerate, so our plans could change in the next 3 days. We will let you know if that happens.”