Harrow School has shut down after a boy at the boarding school tested positive for Covid-19.

The elite boys boarding school has shut following advice with Public Health England and governors and will continue to teach students through online resources after one boy has tested positive.

In a letter issued to parents, headmaster Alastair Land explained that the boy is currently not showing any symptoms but was returned home.

The letter read: “Over the last few days, a number of boys have left the school to self-isolate at home, following advice from Public Health England.

“Some members of the teaching and non-teaching staff are likewise self-isolating at home, following the advice published by the government yesterday.

“A boy who recently returned home to avoid a quarantine restriction has tested positive for Covid-19.”

Talking about the other boys showing symptoms but who are not confirmed with the virus, he added: “The number of boys presenting with the symptoms associated with Covid-19 and the nature of boarding life at Harrow have led us to conclude with regret that the school cannot continue to operate until the end of term.

“This decision has been taken exclusively because it is no longer possible adequately to operate the support necessary for full boarding.”

Parents across the UK are calling for the government to shut down schools in fears that children could spread the virus, and a petition has received over 675,000 signatures which will soon see a response by the government.

But most schools are advised to stay open following guidance from Public Health England and the Department for Education.

As of 9am on March 17, there are 15 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Harrow according to Public Health England.