A SCHOOL has been forced to issue a grovelling apology after pupils were sent the wrong Covid test results.

Pupils at Ilkley Grammar School, in West Yorkshire, arrived on Tuesday to be screened as classes returned to normal after the lockdown. 

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But their confidential results were then text to the wrong mobile numbers in an embarrassing mix up. 

It meant pupils were able to see the results for classmates. 

In an email to parents headteacher Carly Purnell said: "I would like to offer my sincere apologies to families affected by the data error. 

"On uploading the results to the NHS Test and Trace website, Tuesday's results were matched to the correct email address.

"But there was an issue with the transfer of mobile phone numbers which resulted in some test results being sent by text to the incorrect recipient. 

"As soon as we were alerted to the situation, we reported the issue to our Data Protection Officer, contacted the NHS Test and Trace helpline and immediately started our own internal investigation." 

DELETE TEXT MESSAGES

The headteacher confirmed all the test results were negative but urged parents to delete the text messages.

The schools pupils were among millions who returned to the classroom for the first time in months on Monday as the first lockdown restrictions were eased.

Most secondary schools are phasing their return.

Their children are being asked to take fast lateral flow tests to help curb the spread of Covid-19.

Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said attendance in most schools was "very encouraging".

He said the requirement to provide on-site Covid tests had been "onerous" and introducing face coverings in class had been a "minefield" for teachers to navigate.

Education Secretary Gavin Williamson is now looking at proposals, including a five-term academic year, a shorter summer holiday and longer school days, to help pupils catch up.

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