AN Oldbury secondary school has been hit by coronavirus after a student tested positive for the virus.

Oldbury Academy remains open with one form asked to self isolate for 14 days after Public Health England confirmed a student has tested positive for Covid-19.

All parents of pupils in the affected form - 7k - have been contacted and told pupils must self-isolate.

In nearby Smethwick Holly Lodge High School has closed for two weeks from today (Monday September 14) after a teacher tested positive for Covid-19.

Meanwhile Oldbury Academy in Pound Road is asking all pupils, except those exempt, to wear face masks in communal areas.

Headteacher Philip Shackleton sent a letter out on Friday (September 11) which states: "We have been advised by Public Health England that there has been a confirmed case of COVID-19 within the school.

"I want to reassure parents/carers that we have been preparing for this situation for some time and have followed all of the relevant Department for Education and Public Health England advice.

"As you will know from all of my communication over the last 6 months students’ safety has always been my priority.

"We are continuing to monitor the situation and are working closely with Public Health England.

"We have advised us that form 7K have to isolate for 14 days."

Some parents expressed concern that the whole year group had not been asked to self-isolate.

But the school put out a further statement saying: "Thank you for the messages of support for both us and, more importantly, the student that has contracted Covid-19.

"In response to some of the points raised, rest assured that our procedures have been thoroughly planned and developed and subsequently shared with our families on many occasions.

"Like many schools and other areas of society, we have now experienced our first confirmed case.

"We have followed the guidance to the letter and we have communicated this with our families."

It goes on: "Based on our current arrangements, the only group that is required to take action is the form group that is directly affected.

"Current guidance does not require us to ask larger groups of students to self isolate.

"We are all adjusting to these new procedures and whilst we endeavour to provide the best possible educational experience for all, we take our duty of care very seriously in terms of reducing the risk of transmission of Covid-19."

The wearing of face masks has become compulsory in communal areas as all schools in Sandwell have been moved to ‘Tier 1’ of the Government's coronavirus response plan.

Sandwell Council has been contacted for comment.