Since the return of students on March 8, Court Fields School has successfully carried out Covid testing three times for every consenting student.

As part of the Government guidance, the in-school testing has allowed students to return to face-to-face learning and feel safe and secure in school.

Assistant head Sarah Westwood said: “We are extremely proud of all our students and excited to see them return to school. The students undertook the testing with respect and maturity.

“We could not have done this task without the fantastic group of volunteers, who have worked many hours, supporting, processing and recording students’ tests. We feel confident this added layer to our extensive Covid safety plan will ensure students can continue to access their daily learning.”

Since testing in schools came into place in January, Court Fields has provided weekly testing for staff and keyworker students who attended school during lockdown and has conducted a total of 3,500 tests in the space of six weeks.

Headteacher Polly Matthews said: “Our priority is to ensure our staff and students are safe in school. We have seen great success with our year-group bubbles and zones, and students have been so resilient at adapting to masks in the classroom.

“It is a joy to see our students back in school and we will continue to work within the Government guidance to ensure they have access to the learning they deserve.”