RYDE School today made a statement confirming they intend to stay open as normal until the end of term.

A statement issued by the school's headmaster, Mark Waldron, said: "This is a brief message to confirm that the school will be open tomorrow (Monday).

"We have every intention to continue to be so until the end of our term, notwithstanding factors beyond our control may ultimately intervene.

"Our first priority throughout will be the health and wellbeing of both the school and the wider Island community, but I am conscious particularly of the impact for pupils in years eleven and upper sixth.

"We may well make some adjustments to the way we operate as we digest the news from the weekend, and I intend to write a far fuller letter on Monday.

"I am only writing now as I understand there have been rumours that we intend to close this week. I do not know the origin of those rumours.

"At no point have we considered closing this coming week, other than if the Government required us to, though we are ready to do so if we must.

"For the avoidance of doubt we are also fully expecting to go ahead with the school concert on Tuesday evening in All Saints, especially as the size of the church will allow for social distancing measures for those who would feel more comfortable to do so."