Covid Testing

The day before term started, our indefatigable site team were busily converting the sports hall into a mass testing centre.

The team worked around the clock to transform the sports hall into a rapid testing centre, to enable all staff and Senior School pupils to receive Lateral Flow Tests on their return to school. Extensive staff training, administering pupil and parent consents and the stock-taking of thousands of items of equipment were efficiently mobilised. However, the evening before the first day of term, the Government announced a change of plans, with schools staying closed to all except children of critical workers until February half term at the earliest.

As Guided Home Learning got underway, the Covid testing operations were scaled back, but still offered to all members of staff and students on site. Currently, all staff in school are able to access twice weekly testing, while all pupils coming into school can be tested on their return and again 3-5 days later. By February half term, 300 lateral flow tests will have been administered. While those being tested have not always relished the prospect of swabbing their own tonsils, the whole experience has been made all the more pleasant thanks to the calming sounds of Classic FM and impeccable teamwork and organisation.

A special thanks to our amazing Science Technician, Receptionist, Head of HR and Director of Finance & Operations volunteers, as well as the site management team, for going above and beyond and playing a key role in helping to reduce transmission rates.