It comes as public health experts warn that the flu season in the UK has arrived two weeks earlier than normal
16:01, 07 Dec 2025Updated 16:08, 07 Dec 2025
St Martin’s School in Caerphilly(Image: Google maps)
A temporary closure has been place on a Welsh school after hundreds of pupils and staff have fallen ill. Lee Jarvis, head teacher for St Martin’s School in Caerphilly has announced a short “firebreak” in a letter sent to parents, it has been reported.
He wrote that it followed “a significant outbreak of flu-like illness”, with online learning to temporarily take the place of in-person lessons, to allow for a deep clean to take place. Symptoms reported by pupils and staff include vomiting, high temperatures, fatigue, cough, diarrhoea and headaches.
In total, there’s 242 pupils affected, and 12 staff members, BBC Wales has reported. For the biggest stories in Wales first, sign up to our daily newsletter here
The school has indicated it aims to re-open on Tuesday, December 9, but that the situation “would be monitored.”
The letter advised to keep children at home if they showed any symptoms, even mild ones.
Public Health Wales said it had been in contact with the school.
It stated the school had carried out its own risk assessment, and took the decision on its own accord. The headteacher has been contacted.
The news comes just days after a school in Neath reported several cases of acute respiratory infections.
Public Health Wales has said it is investigating the findings at Blaenhonddan Primary School in Bryncoch. Together with Swansea Bay University Health Board and Neath Port Talbot Council it says it is providing public health advice to parents and staff to reduce its spread.
Consultant in health protection for Public Health Wales, James Adamson, said then: “We are aware of several cases of acute respiratory infections linked to the school and are working closely with Swansea Bay University Health Board, Neath Port Talbot Council, and the school to manage the situation.
“The flu season has now started in Wales and acute respiratory infections are common in children, particularly at this time of year. Most will recover well at home.
“The number of absences from this school reflects the background levels of respiratory infection across Wales.
“The best way to protect yourself and your children is by having the flu vaccination every year.
“To check your eligibility visit the Public Health Wales website.
“We ask parents and guardians to look out for symptoms such as coughing, sore throat, fever, or difficulty breathing. If your child is unwell please keep them at home.”