Congleton High School closed due to flu cases
School to deep clean premises after illness outbreak
Last updated 26th Nov 2025
Congleton High School will be closed for two days this week after an outbreak of flu-like illness among pupils and staff led to high levels of sickness absence.
Headteacher Heidi Thurland confirmed in a message to parents and staff that the school will be shut today and tomorrow (Wednesday 26th and Thursday 27th November), allowing for a deep clean of the premises. Updates on reopening will be provided on Thursday afternoon, with the school aiming to reopen on Friday 28th November.
The decision follows advice from UK Health Security Agency’s North West Health Protection Team and infection control experts.
According to the message sent to parents, symptoms affecting those in the school include fever, cough, tiredness, headache, and runny nose, potentially caused by influenza viruses or other common viruses such as RSV, rhinovirus, COVID-19, or adenovirus.
Health advice
Parents, staff, and pupils are being urged to take precautions to prevent further illness. The advice includes:
Staying at home in case of high temperature or feeling unwell, and returning only after symptoms subside
Maintaining good hand hygiene to limit the spread of infections
Covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing to avoid spreading viruses
For those at higher risk, including immunosuppressed individuals and pregnant individuals, seeking medical advice is recommended
Detailed advice on flu symptoms, as well as the flu vaccine, has been shared via NHS resources.
Remote learning plan
While the premises are closed, remote learning will be put in place through the school’s Arbor system.
Headteacher Thurland stated that work would be set in line with usual timetables wherever staff are well enough to provide lessons. Additional teacher support may be offered through Teams or school email.
“It is our expectation that students will engage in their remote learning each day if they are well enough to do so. Our staff will still be undertaking duties during the school day which may include safe and well checks as appropriate,” Thurland noted.
UKHSA Statement
Sarah Johnston Griffiths from UKHSA North West said: “At this time of year it is not uncommon for respiratory viruses including Influenza (Flu), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), rhinovirus (common cold) and COVID in the community and in schools and nurseries. The symptoms for these viral infections are similar and they spread easily between people from coughs and sneezes.
“We have provided precautionary advice to the school to help prevent further cases and continue to monitor the situation closely. Information has been shared with staff and parents about the signs and symptoms.
“The risk of infection can be reduced by practising good hand hygiene, particularly after using the toilet, after using a tissue to catch a cough or a sneeze, and before eating. Staff members and pupils should not attend school if they are unwell with symptoms of flu/ flu-like illness and have a high temperature. They can go back to school and resume normal activities when they no longer have a high temperature and are well enough to attend.
“Always contact your GP for medical advice if you are concerned.”