HIGH schools in Cradley Heath and Oldbury have closed their doors due to a rising number of Covid cases.

Ormiston Forge Academy and Perryfields High have closed to all pupils - including their sixth forms - meaning thousands of pupils are at home.

Ormiston will reopen on Wednesday December 2 and Perryfields will close until Monday December 7.

Ofsted lists Perryfields school has having 1,104 pupils aged 11-18.

It lists Ormiston Forge as having 1,577 pupils aged 11-18.

A letter from Ormiston head Dr Lisa Mason sent on November 18 states: "You will all be aware of the rapidly developing situation around Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Sandwell and at Forge over the last two weeks.

"Further to my letter last night regarding positive cases amongst staff, today we have had two more staff members test positive and two students, one in year 8 and one in year 9.

"Following close consultation with Public Health England and Sandwell Council, we have been advised to close Forge with immediate effect to all students until December 2nd.

"This was by no means a decision that was taken lightly, and I completely appreciate the inconvenience that this will cause for many families. However, given the number of positive cases that we are experiencing, it would not have been safe or responsible to open the school to students.

It adds: "Whilst I write this letter with a heavy heart, I am hugely grateful for your patience.

"This is a setback but I know that we will bounce back.

"The courage and resilience of our community always shines through."

Halesowen News:

Perryfields head Ian Barton said in a letter sent to parents on November 19: "During this period of national concern regarding the Covid-19 virus, the school has been following all advice issued by the Department of Education and Public Health England to fully support efforts to contain, delay and mitigate the impact of the virus within the school and the wider communnity.

"We have been determined to do all that we can to maintain the fullest possible educational provision for our students at all times.

"However, following advice received from Public Health England today, it is with regard that from today, we have had to close the school to all children.

"The school will reopen to all students on Monday 7 December 2020."

Sandwell Council warned on Friday (November 20) that Sandwel had the second highest Covid-19 infection rate in the Black Country and the third highest in the West Midlands.