A secondary school in Tilehurst says 34 pupils have tested positive for Covid-19 following an outbreak.

Little Heath School remains open but the affected pupils and their close contacts have been told to self-isolate at home.

The school is now working with Public Health England and West Berkshire Council to contain the outbreak.

READ MORE: Will West Berkshire return to Tier 1?

Councillor Dominic Boeck, executive member for education, said: “The council has been notified of the 34 cases of Covid-19 at Little Heath School.

“We expected to see some cases in schools and as with incidents elsewhere, the school has acted quickly to identify and isolate all known contacts.

“We are working closely with the school and Public Health England to ensure that the appropriate guidance and control measures are in place to prevent further spread of the virus.

“Little Heath remains open to all students, except those who have been told to self-isolate. The school will continue to monitor the situation closely.”

Since November 16, there have been nine Covid-19 outbreaks at schools in West Berkshire.

During the pandemic, 1,592 people have tested positive for Covid-19 in West Berkshire and 139 have died after contracting the virus.

READ MORE: 17 residents to move during pandemic as care home is closed

On Thursday, November 26, people in the district will find out which restrictions will be imposed on them when the four-week national lockdown ends.

Cllr Lynne Doherty, leader of West Berkshire Council, has said: “Our numbers would suggest we will go back to Tier 1.

“But we do not yet know if tiers will be done by local authority or county. I believe this is subject of much discussion and I have fed in my views.”