Coronavirus: Partial closures of schools already widespread this week across one of England’s largest academy trusts

A glimpse into the impact coronavirus has already been having on English schools this week has been provided via updates from one of England’s largest academy trusts.

As of last night, the Harris Federation, based in Croydon, South London, had information on its website suggesting that all but four of its secondary schools had had to implement partial closures, while one Harris primary, an alternative provision centre and two sixth forms were among those affected.

These academies were each seeing particular year groups staying at home on at least some days this week.

Harris operates 48 academies in and around London, which is now said by the government to be seeing Covid-19 cases rising faster than elsewhere in the UK.

The news may indicate how difficult it would have been for institutions to continue to have operated as the virus continues to take hold, even without yesterday’s announcement that all schools are to close after tomorrow afternoon– except for educating the children of key workers and those who are “most vulnerable”.