Ferndown Middle School closed amid sickness outbreak
The school announced the closure yesterday and confirmed that Year 6 pupils sitting SATs will also be affected
Last updated 14th May 2026
Ferndown Middle School is closed today following a sickness outbreak among staff and pupils.
The school announced the closure yesterday and confirmed that Year 6 pupils sitting SATs will also be affected.
Headteacher Grant Hopkins shared that the National Curriculum Assessment (NCA) had permitted the postponement of SATs for Year 6.
An alternative date will be arranged before 21st May for students to complete their final SATs assessment.
Hopkins apologised for the delay in communication regarding Year 6 and emphasised the exceptional circumstances faced by the students and staff.
He urged parents to ensure students do not discuss test content with peers from other schools who have already taken the exams.
For concerns, parents can email [email protected], with the school addressing inquiries throughout the closure.
'We are currently working with the school'
Sarah Bird, Consultant in Health Protection at UKHSA South West, said: “We are currently working with the school to provide guidance to reduce the risk of ongoing infection from likely norovirus infection.
“Norovirus infection leads to diarrhoea, vomiting and abdominal or stomach cramps that people tend to recover from quickly. If affected, it is important to drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
“To reduce the risk to others, stay off nursery, school or work, avoid preparing food and minimise direct contact with others until 48 hours after your symptoms have stopped.
“Do not visit your GP but do contact them if your symptoms continue for more than a few days. Babies and young children with norovirus can still drink milk.
“The most effective way to respond to illness is to clean and disinfect contaminated areas very thoroughly and to institute good hygiene measures including handwashing. The school have taken these measures and issued advice to children, parents and staff.”
If norovirus is introduced into places where lots of people congregate, such as schools, nurseries, hospitals and care homes, the illness can spread quickly and affect vulnerable people.
Alysia Dolan, Deputy Headteacher, at Ferndown Middle said: “Our Year 6 students are in the middle of their SATs, but we are speaking with the Standards and Testing Agency about what can be done for those who have missed the tests because of the school closure.
“While the school is empty tomorrow and over the weekend it will be thoroughly cleaned and we anticipate everything being back to normal on Monday.
“I also want to thank the school community for their support whilst we manage the situation.”