An Oxford school will be closed to two year groups today after a staff member tested positive for coronavirus. 

A message from St Gregory the Great Catholic School on Facebook last night said the decision over Year 8 and 9 was being taken as a 'precautionary measure'.

It said: "Due to a confirmed case of Covid-19 of a member of staff, as a precautionary measure while we fully identify all close contacts, several other staff members are also being asked to self-isolate.

"This means that we have had to make the difficult decision to close the school to Years 8 and 9 tomorrow, Tuesday 17th November in the first instance."

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The East Oxford secondary school added: "We will be seeking further guidance tomorrow morning from Public Health England and will then send a further communication to all families confirming arrangements for the rest of the week.

"We thank you in advance for your support and cooperation and will be in touch tomorrow with further details."

In an update this morning the school confirmed pupils in those year groups were not being asked to self isolate and the closure was 'due to staffing levels'.

The school added: "Siblings in other year groups may still attend."