SIX HUNDRED pupils from a Dorset school have returned to remote learning just days before the end of term due to a 'large number of Covid cases'.

Queen Elizabeth School in Wimborne has sent home all students in Year 9 and Year 12 - equalling roughly 600 students - to learn remotely in the final days of the summer term.

The school also has a 'significant number' or member of staff who are isolating.

Last month, 100 students from Queen Elizabeth School were forced to self-isolate after five Year 9 students tested positive for coronavirus.

In a letter sent to parents on Monday, headteacher Katie Boyes said: "During this term we have managed to keep the numbers of Covid-19 cases within school at a low level and have avoided the need to send home whole year groups.

"However, along with many other schools locally and nationally we have experienced a large number of cases in recent days. Therefore it is with extreme reluctance that I have taken the decision to move to remote learning for all students in Year 9 and Year 12 until Friday 23rd July.

"This is a decision that was only taken after a long consultation with Public Health England following a large number of cases within these year groups together with significant numbers of staff who are isolating as a result of the virus."