A SCHOOL is sending hundreds of pupils home today to prevent the spread of Coronavirus.

Christ’s Hospital in Horsham is cutting their school term short, with around 660 students being sent home as a safety precaution.

Only pupils who are sitting public exams in the summer will remain at the school - about 240 students in years 11 and 13. 

The current school term had been due to finish at the end of the month.

A spokeswoman for the school said: "The school takes its responsibility for the safety and welfare of its pupils and staff extremely seriously.

“In order to minimise the risk of an outbreak of Covid-19 in our boarding community, parents have been informed that the current term will finish at 3pm today for all pupils apart from those taking public examinations this summer.

“This is a preventative measure to ensure the continued safety of all pupils in our care.

“Pupils will be provided with learning materials and be able to contact their teachers while they are at home.”

Subject to the extent of the virus outbreak at the time, the school plans to reopen after the Easter break on April 19 or 20.