SCHOOLCHILDREN have been told to self-isolate at a school despite being originally advised not to do so.

The Gryphon School in Sherborne confirmed a positive coronavirus test result among the school community in a letter to parents on Sunday (October 18).

Despite the Covid-19 case, the letter, however, stated pupils do not need to isolate as 'the case has been linked to community-acquired transmission outside of the school'.

Headteacher Nicki Edwards stated the decision was made after consulting with Dorset Council and added she did not believe any members of the school had been in close contact with the person.

A second letter was issued to some parents and carers of Year 11 pupils on Monday (October 19) and advised their children to self-isolate in connection to the Covid-19 case. 

It was also confirmed that the person who received the positive test was last in attendance at the school on Friday (October 16).

Mrs Edwards wrote: "As your Year 11 child has been identified as being a close contact with this person, we are asking that you ensure your child self isolates until October 30.

"On the advice of Public Health England, students who have had close contact with this child need to self-isolate for 14 days from their last contact with this person.

"For your child, this means that they can return to school on November 2.

"All other members of the student’s household do not need to self-isolate unless they become symptomatic."

The school will remain open for all other students during this period as affected pupils will learn from home. 

Affected pupils must self-isolate until Friday, October 30 and return to school on Monday, November 2.