Children in year nine (aged 13 and 14) at St Ninian’s High School in Douglas are being asked to stay at home tomorrow.

In a letter, headteacher Chris Coole told pupils’ parents: ’We are still experiencing extremely high levels of staff absence at the moment and have exhausted all other contingencies to manage this for the remainder of the week.

’I have therefore had to make the very difficult decision to inform you that all Year 9 students should remain at home tomorrow (Friday, February 4) and not come in to school.

’Whilst at home students should continue to access their usual lessons via their Google Classrooms which should have key resources and assignments available for them to learn from during the day.

’Please be assured that this decision has not been taken lightly and we have tried to do everything to avoid this scenario but with the volume of teaching and support staff currently absent and a reduced availability of supply teachers available I have little option.

’I very much hope we will be open to all students as usual next Monday.’