ONLY a few students turned up to Royal Wootton Bassett Academy after schools across the UK closed to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

Deputy headteacher Anita Ellis said that although the school had anticipated 40 pupils arriving for school, only 11 came in on Monday.

Mrs Ellis said the response from parents and students on the first day of working at home has been very encouraging.

She added: “Clearly the message to remain at home unless you absolutely have to come into school had made an impact.

“We have received some lovely emails from parents of children who are entitled to be in, showing us their new ‘work stations’ at home.”

The students who have come in were split between five classrooms with internet access so that they can do their online learning.

Mrs Ellis added: “At break time and lunchtime students are placed in different areas of the school, and staff are also social distancing.

“We have also requested that all rooms are given a thorough cleaning at the end of each day.”

It was announced that schools would remain open for children of key workers including doctors, nurses, police food chain workers and many more.