A SIXTH form student has tested positive for coronavirus at a Dorset secondary school.

The Year 13 pupil at The Gryphon School in Sherborne is now self-isolating, along with students and staff who have been in close contact with the individual.

The school remains open to other pupils.

In a statement on Facebook last night, the school said: “We need to inform you that a Year 13 student has today tested positive for Covid-19. As students have only been at school for two days, and in this case in small Sixth Form classes, we have been able to identify those students and staff who have been in close contact with the individual.

“That contact group have been advised to self-isolate whilst we await further advice from Public Health England and will be contacted directly regarding testing. If you have not been contacted you do not need to be concerned at this time.

“We would like to reassure students and parents at this time that we have put in place rigorous measures to protect students. But we also want to remind everyone to remain vigilant, and if any student has symptoms please do not come in to school and ensure you follow government guidance on self-isolating and testing.”

The school said anyone with a high temperature, new continuous cough or changes to their senses of smell and taste should not attend.