All Year 7 children sent home from high school in Leyland after student tests positive for COVID-19

St Mary's Catholic High School confirmed this morning (Friday, September 18) that a child in Year 7 has tested positive.

It is the third case of COVID-19 at the school since students returned for the autumn term on September 2.

It means students in Years 7,9 and 11 have all been asked to study at home at some stage this term, with just Years 8 and 10 remaining in school.

In a message to parents, the school said: "Unfortunately, we have been notified of a positive case in Year 7 this morning, therefore we are asking that all Year 7 children return home.

"If you have not heard from your child, please phone the school office so we can make safe arrangements for your child to come home.

"We will update you with more information once we have spoken to Public Health England."

It comes just days after Year 9 students were sent home on Monday (September 14) after the school was informed of a positive case among the student body on Sunday.

The school said most Year 9 students were expected to return to class on Tuesday after those in close contact with the infected student had been identified.