But PE teacher Dean Gilder refused to be beaten by the virus and has instead organised a sports week which has seen students take part from the safety of their own homes.

They have been asked to take videos of themselves doing physical activities and send them into school.

Among the activities set for pupils are the tiki taka challenge, tennis ball challenge, push-up challenge, keepy-uppy challenge, sit-up challenge and soldier plank challenge.

They have also been encouraged to use everyday house items such as a frying pan and create their own challenges.

Mr Gilder said: “I decided to put on a virtual sports week as we are all missing the big and highly anticipated sports day.

“We are gutted sports day will not be around this year, but this is our way of trying to carry on with tradition.

“We are treating this like any other sports day.”

Students have been awarded points for each challenge they’ve completed and have helped add to their tutor group’s overall total.

A virtual medal ceremony will be held once the competition ends later today (Friday).

Teachers have joined in the fun by adding themselves to posters to promote the virtual sports week.

Mr Gilder says he came up with the idea following the success of his fitness videos during the lockdown.

He has been uploading workouts to YouTube to encourage students to stay active.

Mr Gilder has used tins of food, the sofa and the stairs during his workout sessions to show pupils they don’t need standard gym equipment to keep fit.

He added: “The workouts and challenges have been great for me and the students as they have allowed me to be more creative and to have fun by producing promotional artwork to engage students to join in.

“Students are enjoying fitness, too – they are asking whether I’ll continue through the summer, which is a great indication they are enjoying what I am doing.

“I am very proud of the students and also their parents who have supported me and their children’s health.”