A CARLISLE school has confirmed it has been forced to close after a student contracted coronavirus.

Kingmoor Junior School in Carlisle was forced to shut earlier this week after a student contracted the virus.

When approached, the school would only confirm it would be closed until September but refused to comment further.

However, a letter posted to parents on the school website yesterday said: “Yesterday, in line with our risk assessment, a bubble had to be closed and all staff and pupils sent home.

“Staff and pupils who had ‘close contact’ are now self-isolating for 14 days. After discussions with Public Health, the local authority and our chair of governors, it is with great sadness that I am informing you all that tomorrow’s Leaver’s Day for Year 6 has been postponed.

“Leaver’s Day will not go ahead as planned tomorrow. In light of our current situation, it has been decided that it is appropriate to close school today and tomorrow. At all times the Health and Safety of our staff and pupils is of paramount importance - this is very much the case today, and will continue to be moving forward.”

The school said it had “not been an easy decision”.