Whilst our staff and students have continued to rally round and support each other, I am concerned that we may be faced before the end of term with the need for remote learning for year groups to be re-established. We will do everything to try to make sure the last few days are positive and that students are at school, but the cases of COVID and their impact continue to rise in our area and so I would ask parents to please be mindful of any messages we need to send home regarding provision.

September start

I have put in more detail on the news item our arrangements for the start of term in September. The lateral flow tests have had an impact on our ability to start as planned, so please check the details and when your child needs to be in school. The two tests need to be taken some days apart and you will receive separate communication regarding consent for these tests. I would ask you to complete this by this coming Tuesday so that we can get all arrangements in place before the end of this term.

The first full day of school for all students will now be Monday 6th September, but we need students in at specific times during the week before, for testing and also for year seven and sixth form induction.

A positive future

We should not forget the bigger picture of the growth and development of the school. In September the school will have reached capacity across a number of year groups and we will have families on a waiting list to join our school community. I am delighted that there has been growing confidence in our school over the past few years and this has been down to a community effort. The commitment of our staff, the positive attitude of our students and the warmth and trust from parents and the community have all been vital in our development. The last year has been such a challenge, but together we have given each other strength and for that I thank you again.