The following message was sent by Mrs Cameron to all parents in light of the recent rise in Covid-19 cases.

Over the past few days we have seen a gradual rise in Covid-19 cases among pupils and staff. The Government requirement for contingency planning in schools means that extra measures have to be introduced when we reach a threshold of cases. We have now reached that threshold in Year 9 and exceeded it in Year 11. 

In order to protect the pupils’ education as much as possible until the end of term, we have decided to introduce the following additional precautionary measures.

Daily lateral flow tests from tonight

We request that all pupils please do a daily lateral flow test starting tonight. For anyone who is running low on LFT kits, there are stocks outside the Dining Room and there are more on order. (However, please note that anyone who has already tested positive with a PCR test should not be tested using either a PCR or lateral flow test for 90 days unless they develop new symptoms during this time - in which case they should be retested immediately using a PCR test). If your daughter tests positive, please report the result using this form .

New Protection Measures – effective from tomorrow

We are also introducing the following measures from tomorrow, Friday 3 December.

Uniform to change to Sports Kit

All year groups are required to wear sports kit for all lessons, including Years 12 and 13. This removes the need for pupils to change for sports activities in close proximity to one another in changing rooms. (Please see the message about swimming below).  It also facilitates frequent washing of the pupils’ clothing.

All trips and sports fixtures cancelled

It is with a very heavy heart that we have decided that we have to cancel all trips and sports fixtures from tomorrow. This includes the U13 Cross-country Finals in Newquay; the trip was due to leave tomorrow, and the U13 National Tennis Finals in Bolton at the weekend. All fixtures with other schools have also been cancelled. Other in-school PE lessons, other than swimming, will continue unaffected.

Swimming Lessons cancelled

PE swimming lessons are cancelled, in order for the pupils to avoid changing in close proximity to others.

Reduction of cross-year group activities 

We are reducing the amount of time that pupils spend in cross-year group activities. This means that from Monday, there will be no after school co-curricular clubs and activities. Lunchtime clubs and activities will continue. Please see below for implications on the Transport departure times.

Drama – Jane Eyre Production Postponed

Unfortunately the reduction of cross-year group activities means that, sadly, we will not be able to go ahead with the final rehearsals for Jane Eyre scheduled for this weekend, or the filming of the production. The live performances next Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday are rescheduled for Tuesday 8, Wednesday 9 and Thursday 10 February. Further information about ticketing/refunds will be issued next week.

No non-essential visitors on site

Non-essential visitors will not be allowed on site. If parents or guardians need to contact their daughter’s Tutor, please do so, where possible, via email or Google-Meet.

Measures from Monday 6 December

Transport to leave at 4.30pm every day

Transport will leave school at 4.30pm every day from Monday 6^th December, until further notice. This is in addition to the regular Friday departure time of 4.30pm.

Year 11 to learn remotely 

All Year 11 pupils will learn remotely from Monday 6 December. Further details will be issued tomorrow.

No access to lockers

Pupils will not be allowed access to lockers. This will prevent pupils from congregating in close proximity to one another. Any books and equipment required for lessons or activities are to be taken with them throughout the day.

Continuation of other precautionary measures

We will continue with the existing precautionary measures, which include the wearing of face masks in classrooms and common areas. Hand hygiene and ventilation requirements also remain.

As I am sure you can appreciate, we are trying to manage a constantly changing situation. Our first priority throughout is the safety of our pupils and staff, as well as the protection of the girls’ education and mental wellbeing.

I thank you for your continuing support.