Birmingham school closes and pupils sent home after coronavirus fears

Tudor Grange Academy Kingshurst in Birmingham has sent home all pupils and a deep clean of the school is currently in effect after several pupils returned with flu-like symptoms from a trip to Italy where coronavirus is on the rise.

All pupils at the Tudor Grange Academy Kingshurst in Cooks Lane, Birmingham, were ordered to return home as they arrived to school for morning registration on Wednesday 26th February.

The school issued the following text message to parents on Wednesday explaining why pupils had been sent home:

“Following the return of a school trip to Italy, we have followed advice and will be closing the academy today with immediate effect, for a deep clean.”

Darren Turner, the executive principal at Tudor Grange Academy Kingshurst also sent out a letter to parents which explained the reasons for the school closure.

Mr Turner wrote:

“Early this morning, we were informed that six pupils who were on the trip are suffering from flu-like symptoms and so they are self-isolating and getting checked.

“A teacher who was on the trip is also self-isolating and has been tested.”

Mrs C Smith, principal at Tudor Grange Academy Solihull, also sent out a letter to parents which included further details about the school closure at Tudor Grange Academy Kingshurst:

“Tudor Grange Academy Kingshurst closed this morning as a precautionary measure. This is because a group of students and staff had returned from a school ski trip to Northern Italy (in a category 2 area) and some were reporting symptoms and being tested for the virus this morning.

“We have heightened our own hygiene measures in school and briefed students on the guidance to help prevent the spread of all germs.”

Tudor Grange Academy Kingshurst has informed parents that the school may be closed until Monday 2nd March. The school has requested parents to keep an eye on the school website for further updates regarding this situation.