PUPILS from a school are self-isolating following a positive Covid test.

One student from Dowdales School in Dalton was said to have been confirmed to have contracted virus, meaning the rest of the year will be taking part in lessons from home.

The case was confirmed in a Year 11 student at the school, with the rest of the year bubble told to self-isolate for two weeks as a result.

At least three other pupils in the year have previously tested positive for the virus.

In a letter to parents, headteacher Emma Aubrey said school leaders had contacted parents and carer's of the student's friends following the most recent case.

"We have just learned we have a positive COVID case in Year 11," she said.

"The student was in school within 48 hours of the positive test.

"The student was in school last on Friday.

"Therefore, Year 11 will need to self‐isolate for 14 days from Friday 27th November and will be back in school on Monday 14th December.

"Members of the leadership team have just finished making phone calls to the parents/carers of the student's friendship group. "To ensure the continuity of your child’s education, all lessons will be completed via TEAMs.

"Your son/daughter must follow their timetable and register with their teachers in each of their ‘live’ lessons. "Miss Bowes will message all students on TEAMs this evening to ensure that they know the protocols."

The school has also told parents of pupils in other year groups that they will not be affected.

A Year Nine pupil at the school was confirmed to have contracted the virus in September.

In a communication addressed to parents and carers at the time, the school said Year Nine classrooms were closed off and were being cleaned as per the school's risk assessment.

A Dalton councillor previously expressed sympathy for pupils at the school as they prepare to take their GSCEs.

Wendy Maddox said: “It is a crucial year for the Year 11s doing GCSEs and I know what they are going through as my grandson is currently doing his at Ulverston Victoria. “I feel for them I really do. This year is vital and they are losing more classroom time.

"The students have lost a lot of school time already this year, so it is a real shame for them. “But there is not much that us or the school can do."

A number of other schools have been affected by cases of coronavirus among staff and students this year.

They include Furness Academy, Newbarns Primary School, Ulverston Victoria High School and St Bernard's Catholic High School.