STUDENTS at Court Fields School in Wellington went home at the end of the school day on Friday unsure of when they will be back in class.

The Government decided last week that all schools in England would close because of the Coronavirus emergency – and it seems likely, according to national media reports, that youngsters may not return to their desks before the end of the current school year.

Court Fields said goodbye to its Year 11 students with a leaving assembly on Friday two weeks before the school was scheduled to break up for the Easter holidays.

Acting headteacher Polly Matthews, speaking last Thursday, said: “To ensure Year 11s don’t miss out they will be doing all the normal things they do – shirt signings, having lunch together and their assembly. We may have students who are self-isolating in Year 11 but we shall make sure their friends sign shirts we have provided for them.”

The Coronavirus outbreak has seen the school cancel trips, visits and events. A production of Oliver!, which was set to begin yesterday (Tuesday), has been postponed until later in the year. The school prom has not been cancelled yet, as it is planned for the end of June, but if it cannot take place it will be held later in the year.

Court Fields will be staying open – including over the holiday period – for the children of key workers, such as parents who work in the NHS, emergency services and some delivery drivers, with the aim of reducing pressure on the NHS and other public services.

The school is supporting the families of children receiving free school meals with alternative arrangements. Its special educational needs and pastoral staff have contacted the families of particularly vulnerable students about support during the school closure.

Court Fields has made provision for children to learn at home through its ClassCharts system.

In a letter to parents Mrs Matthews said: “Thank you for the support and understanding that you have shown to us at this difficult time. We will do what we can to support our community over the coming weeks. My very best wishes go out to you and your families.”