A SOUTHAMPTON comprehensive has confirmed a positive case of Covid-19 on the first day that schools in the city were opened. 

Regents Park Community College (pupils aged 11 -16) in the SO16 area confirmed the "asymptomatic" case in a letter to parents on Monday. 

Covid-19: New measures as Southampton schools are set to reopen

The case was discovered by the school's own lateral flow testing programme which are now mandatory for teachers and students in secondary schools and colleges.

The news comes most secondary schools and colleges in the city will have a staggered return of pupils in order to allow for testing systems to be established.

In the letter, Headteacher Samantha Barnes said: "We advise that there has been a confirmed asymptomatic positive case of COVID-19 within the school following the lateral flow tests. 

"We know that you may find this concerning but we are continuing to monitor the situation and we are working closely with Public Health England.

"The small number of children that have been in close contact with the individual who has tested positive have received a letter informing them that their child must stay home for 10 day."

Mr Barnes added: "The school remains open and your child should continue to attend if they remain well."