A total of 20 teachers are leaving a Basildon school but most of the jobs have been filled, says a headteacher.

Worried parents contacted told the Echo 30 teachers were leaving and they are concerned about their children's education.

Now in a letter sent to parents the headteacher David Wright said it was 20 staff and most have been replaced.

It comes after leading councillors have raised fears about teacher shortages in Essex and claim Covid hardships have caused more people to leave the education sector.

In the letter Mr Wright said: "The number is 20 and all positions have been filled apart from two, which I am confident in the next two weeks will be filled too.

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"Given that few staff have moved on in the last three years due to the pandemic, people are now taking the opportunity to move schools right across the country, if you average the numbers out they are about right considering we have 120 teaching staff."

The school and trust was repeatedly contacted by The Echo and refused to comment.

One worried parent, who asked to remain anonymous, said: “My child is going into year 11 at Woodlands School in Basildon, and they have come home to tell me at least 30 teachers are leaving the school.

“The once good school sounds like it’s imploding. I’m worried about my child’s education.

“I have spoken to my friend who is a classroom assistant and she said 30 is about right.”

Tony Ball, Essex County councillor for education excellence, lifelong learning and employability, said teachers have had it very tough in the pandemic.

Mr Ball, a former leader of Basildon Council, said: “People forget schools were open through the pandemic and teachers had to learn new skills with online learning.

“Teachers' mental health and wellbeing is a top priority for us and is top of our agenda and work.

“We also have a teacher shortage across Essex which was made worse by the pandemic.

“I think there will be some leaving after what they have dealt with and been through.”