24 March 2026
Dear Colleagues, Group Leaders, and Parents,
I am writing to you with an important update regarding the meningitis outbreak in Canterbury, about which we communicated earlier on Tuesday 17 March 2026.
We are pleased to share that the situation is improving significantly. Trish Mannes, the UK Health Security Agency's Regional Deputy Director for the South East, told the BBC on 23 March that the peak of the outbreak has passed. This is very welcome news, and we hope it provides reassurance to all of you who have been understandably concerned.
The public health response has been swift and substantial. According to the NHS, more than 10,000 people have received vaccinations and approximately 13,000 people have been given preventative antibiotics. The Health Secretary, Wes Streeting, who visited a vaccination clinic at the University of Kent on 19 March, has urged the Canterbury community to attend school and university and continue life as normal, and confirmed that the risk of transmission in the community is low.
Chaucer College continues to follow UKHSA guidance closely. As we noted previously, the UKHSA has advised that school contacts are only very rarely at risk and that the risk of another case in the school is very small. We are not aware of any confirmed cases among our students or staff. Our programmes are running as normal.
For agents, group leaders, and parents of students due to travel to Chaucer College, we want to reassure you clearly and confidently: please proceed with your arrangements as planned. The advice from the highest levels of the UK health authorities is unambiguous — Canterbury is safe, and normal life should continue.
We continue to ask all students and staff to remain aware of the symptoms of meningitis: sudden high fever, severe and worsening headache, stiff neck, vomiting, sensitivity to light, and in some cases a rash that does not fade when pressed with a glass. Anyone developing these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention by calling NHS 111 or attending the nearest A&E.
Thank you for your continued trust in Chaucer College. We remain committed to the safety and wellbeing of every student in our care, and we will of course continue to monitor the situation and keep you informed of any further developments.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.
Yours sincerely,
Professor Mitsutoshi Horii
Principal, Chaucer College
Canterbury, Kent
