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Young people are being urged to keep their brains ticking over while their school is closed due to the Coronavirus.

Students at Epping St John’s Church of England School are being set projects, PE activities and revision tasks to complete at home.

But, head of school Michael Yerosimou said there is no pressure on students to complete work to a deadline.

He said: “We are telling our students the work set does not need to all be done today; they can take their time with it. We have provided enough work, so students have a choice over what they do and when. We are providing a broad and balanced curriculum and saying to do a little bit of everything and to keep going.

“It is good to keep their brains ticking over. We can’t have a long period of time letting our brains be idle as we would forget what we have learnt.”

Year 7, 8 and 9 have been set a geography project on climate change, while Year 10 and 12 – who will sit their exams next year – are being encouraged to revise.

Year 11 and 13 – whose exams this summer have been cancelled due to the outbreak – are focusing on the subjects they are looking to study next year.

While the school is keen for students to consolidate their learning, young people are also being urged to keep active and to look after their mental health.

Mr Yerosimou said: “Having a run in the morning is more important at the moment.

“Our key message is for everyone to be happy and healthy. We need to look after our students emotionally.”

The school is catering for between two and eight children of key worker parents each day, with a rota of five members of staff.