The rapid increase of Covid cases has forced Hitchin secondary schools to close early due to staff shortages.

Two schools in our town have decided to end face-to-face classes early tomorrow, Friday December 17.

As Covid continues to surge, Hitchin Boys' School has had to cope with the absence of up to 20 members of staff with coronavirus, due to spike in cases.

In a letter sent to parents, seen by Nub News, HBS head Fergal Moane announced the establishment on Grammar School walk was to close early.

"Balancing the interests of all members of our community is one of the most challenging aspects of school leadership at the moment," Mr Moane explained.

"On one hand, I am fully behind the government's assertion that in- person learning is best and schools should stay open during the pandemic.

"On the other hand, I am also responsible for everyone's safety, and the surge in Covid cases due to the omicron variant is concerning.

"At times over the past two weeks, we have had between 15 and 20 staff absent, sadly a number of whom have tested positive for Covid."

Mr Moane added that ensuring his school has enough teachers to cover absences is becoming an 'impossible task.'

"Therefore," he said, "for operational and safety reasons, we have decided that term will finish at 3:30pm on Friday [December 17]."

The school - which was rated outstanding boy Ofsted recently - has received guidance from Hertfordshire County Council that they will support this change in term dates in view of the exceptional circumstances.

Many primary schools are also facing similar staffing pressures and have come to the same conclusion.

Mr Moane added: "In recognition that many of our families also have children at Hitchin Girls' School, we have coordinated this decision with them so that both schools are taking the same action.

"The Priory School had already planned to finish on Friday, so sixth form consortium lessons all finish on Friday."