Cornish school forced to close as staff and students fall ill
Lessons have been moved online until next Monday at Budehaven Community School.
Last updated 11th Dec 2025
A school in North Cornwall has been forced to close because of many students and staff are off sick with flu and Group A Streptococcus infections.
Budehaven Community School in Bude has temporarily moved lessons online until Monday to try help stop the spread.
The school expects to return to normal in person teaching on Monday.
In a statement on the school website, Headteacher Dominic Wilkes said: "Following a careful Risk Assessment regarding the current unprecedented and increasing incidences of Influenza (Flu) and Group A Streptococcus infection amongst our pupil, Sixth Form student, and staff populations, we have consulted with Cornwall Council leaders, the school’s Chair and Vice Chairs of Governors, and the UK Health Security Agency regarding the situation."
"In order to mitigate the risk of further infection, it has been agreed by Cornwall Council and the Chair of Governors that we will move to a Remote Curriculum for all year groups for Thursday and Friday this week, 11th and 12th December, using SPARX English, maths and science for Key Stages 3 and 4, and appropriate work will be set for Sixth Form students by teachers. This will mean that all pupils, and Sixth Form students will be working from home for the next two days."
"A communication will be sent out this afternoon regarding how to access our remote learning provision."
We hope that this measure, that has not been taken lightly, and has been taken following guidance from UKHSA, will help to reduce the spread of illness. We intend to return to the normal in-school learning provision on Monday 15th December."