AN outbreak of swine flu has hit a High Wycombe private school.

There have been three confirmed cases of the influenza A H1N1 at Wycombe Abbey in the centre of the town.

And the school said at least 30 pupils were showing symptoms when they broke up for summer break on Friday.

No pupils are now at the boarding school.

Health bosses today said there had been 40 confirmed cases in south Buckinghamshire.

Headmistress Cynthia Hall said: “A number of swine flu cases were confirmed earlier this week at Wycombe Abbey in High Wycombe.

“The Health Protection Agency is aware of these cases and is working with the school to minimise the spread of infection and ensure prompt treatment for students and staff.

“The academic year finished for pupils at Wycombe Abbey on 26 June. “The HPA advised that everyone who is well and free from symptoms should go about life as normal. Children and staff who are unwell are recovering at home.”

Other nearby private schools have been hit by swine flu, including Eton in Windsor and Stowe School near Buckingham.

Buckinghamshire NHS Primary Care Trust confirmed the outbreak. It said there had been 16 cases in Wycombe district, 14 in South Bucks, 17 in Chiltern and 10 in Aylesbury.