TWO Covid cases have been confirmed at a Basingstoke secondary school as pupils return.

A number of students are now self-isolating and being taught online after the positive cases, which were in separate year groups.

The cases were picked up on Thursday as part of testing to enable schools to return this week.

All pupils were offered three in-school lateral flow tests, and nearly 3,000 have been completed at The Costello alone.

The number of pupils who have been asked to self-isolate is currently unknown.

Headteacher Randall Jull told The Gazette: "The Costello School will today complete the programme of offering three in-school Lateral Flow Tests to all students to support the return to full school opening, with nearly 3000 tests completed.

"I am grateful to all the staff, students, and parents who have supported with this.

"Yesterday, two positive tests were identified, in separate year groups.

"We have worked in accordance with government guidance and the Bohunt Education Trust to identify those students deemed to be close contacts and these small bubbles are now accessing live learning from home.

"I am grateful to all their parents for their support and understanding."

Most pupils returned to the classroom this week for the first time in two months after schools were closed during the third lockdown.

Only the children of key workers and the most vulnerable pupils were allowed to attend school in person since January, with others learning online.