A SOUTHAMPTON secondary school has announced it will close for two days due to an "unprecedented level of staff sickness."

Oasis Academy Mayfield will close today  and tomorrow (January 31 and February 1).

Head teacher Claire Taylor sent a letter to parents saying that advice earlier this week from Public Health England "still applies" and that by closing "we can not only have a deep clean across the academy but also try to break the cycle and allow any virus to pass."

Staff posted advice from Public Health England about a "flu-like virus" circulating in the school.

It warned parents that "most children will have a relatively mild illness, and will recover at home without needing treatment."

As reported Redbridge Community School was closed for three days earlier this month in what head teacher Jason Ashley described as "the worst outbreak" he had ever seen. Oasis Academy have been contacted for a comment.

Southampton City Council have been contacted for a comment.