More than 250 pupils and staff at a secondary school in Caerphilly have been struck down by a flu-like illness, prompting the school to close temporarily in an effort to limit further spread.
In an email seen by BBC Wales, St Martin’s School head teacher Lee Jarvis told parents and carers that the school had experienced “a significant outbreak of flu-like illness”. He confirmed the school would shut for a short “firebreak” period to enable a full deep clean, with online learning in place during the closure.
Public Health Wales said it had been in communication with the school, which opted to close after conducting its own risk assessment.
According to the email, a total of **242 pupils and 12 staff members** were absent from school, reporting symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, high temperatures, coughing, headaches, fatigue and “general flu-like effects”. Mr Jarvis added that the average recovery time appeared to be about seven days.
The temporary closure is intended to reduce transmission and allow a thorough cleaning of the school buildings. St Martin’s School aims to reopen on **Tuesday 9 December**, although Mr Jarvis stressed the situation would continue to be monitored, with updates provided to families if needed.
Parents were urged to keep children at home at the first sign of symptoms, “even if mild”.
Public Health Wales confirmed its involvement, stating it understood “the school has done a risk assessment and decided to shut down temporarily”.
BBC Wales has approached head teacher Lee Jarvis for further comment.
