A HEADTEACHER has warned that Covid cases have been rising "dramatically" in south Herefordshire and has confirmed how many students have caught it.

Marlbrook Primary School, in the south of Hereford, said parents were concerned by the "sharp rise" in cases locally so gave an update on Monday.

Headteacher Tracey Kneale said there were 25 confirmed cases on Monday, with around another 40 children awaiting tests results.

It meant around 10 per cent of school's 630 children had, or were suspected to have, Covid.

"Parents have asked for an update on numbers in school, which I am happy to provide, but please be aware this will change on an almost daily basis," she said.

"Currently, of the 630 children in school, 25 have been confirmed as Covid positive (none in nursery and reception).

"However we have approximately 40 children awaiting PCR results.

"At the present time, there is no intention to return to class bubbles, which had limited impact during the last lockdown. We will continue operating in year group bubbles when inside the building."

School assemblies were cancelled from Monday, but children were still be able to mix with other year groups in their key stage, but only when outside.

"We have already increased the number of entrance and exit gates and the 15-minute windows for registering in the morning (8.40am to 8.55am) and the end of day collection from 3.15pm to 3.30pm will remain in place," she added.

Ms Kneale said the school would continue to follow the guidance issued by public health and the Department for Education, and told parents to get children tested if they have coronavirus symptoms.

Almeley Primary School and Kingstone High School are both closed due to the number of Covid cases found, and Hereford Academy, The Bishop of Hereford's Bluecoat School, Sutton Primary Academy, Weobley High School and Holmer CE Academy are among the schools to confirm cases.