Rota system could be used for secondary schools

A ‘rota system’ limiting the number of pupils going to secondary schools at any one time could be used for local lockdown zones, while teachers and students may need to wear face coverings in communal areas, according to new Government guidance. The staggered approach will reduce how many people students come into contact with, helping … Read more

Secondary school, dubbed ‘South London’s Eton’, is revealed in CGI designs

High-tech designs of the new state-of-the-art secondary being built next door to Prince George and Princess Charlotte’s £19,000-a-year prep school have been revealed. Thomas’s Battersea snapped up the neighbouring Royal Academy of Dance building for its planned 13 to 18 school, which is already being dubbed ‘South London’s Eton’. The CGI images in a new prospectus offer a look … Read more

Secondary school pupils are just as likely to transmit coronavirus as adults say researchers

Secondary school pupils are as likely to transmit coronavirus as adults, official research appears to show – as scientists now call for routine Covid tests for children and teachers when classes restart.  Public Health England (PHE) found that primary school pupils do not appear to pass the virus to each other – but its researchers … Read more

Secondary school maths teacher appalled by intransigence of her union to get children back to school

Appalled by the intransigence of her union when it comes to getting pupils back into classrooms, this maths teacher at a state secondary in the North of England resigned her membership.  Here, in a powerful account, the experienced teacher in her late 30s – who asked to remain anonymous – lays bare the unions’ shameful … Read more

Secondary head tells pupils they must wear face masks – despite government advice saying otherwise

Masks are now part of school uniform: Secondary head tells pupils and staff they must wear face-coverings when classes restart in September – despite government advice saying otherwise Holmes Chapel Comprehensive School & Sixth Form College has enforced rule  It comes after Government advice saying masks in schools is ‘not recommended’ Matt Hancock said: ‘If … Read more

Finance boss stole more than £200,000 from her secondary school

A finance boss who stole over £200,000 from her secondary school over seven years has been ordered to pay back less than half. Ghislain Sharron Smithson, 52, diverted over £100,000 in cash into her bank account from the Keswick School, in Cumbria, between 2012 and 2018. But she also used the school account to buy … Read more

Secondary schools pupils facing GCSE and A-level exams return today

Secondary school pupils with GCSE and A-level exams next year are returning to classes today, but only a quarter of Years 10 and 12 are allowed on site at one time due to social-distancing. The Government wants pupils to have ‘face-to-face’ support before their exams next summer, but the amount contact time will vary considerably across … Read more

Secondary schools could stay closed BEYOND September

The Health Secretary last night conceded that secondary schools in England may not fully reopen in September – with ministers also expected to row back on their pledge to give primary children a month in classes before summer break. Matt Hancock said at the Downing Street briefing yesterday that it was still ‘our current working … Read more

England secondary school chaos to continue next year with further disruption for GCSEs and A-levels

The chaos surrounding secondary schools is set to continue next year as the coronavirus wreaks havoc with GCSEs and A-levels. Exams will likely be impacted next summer due to some colleges in England not opening properly until January. Regulator Ofqual has taken the drastic step of creating contingency plans for next year’s intake as students face … Read more

Remarkable time-lapse footage shows secondary school being built in 12 WEEKS during lockdown 

A brand new school that was built in 12 weeks during the coronavirus lockdown has had its construction captured in remarkable time-lapse footage. Sir Frederick Gibberd College in Harlow, Essex, was built by contractor Caledonian Modular on Tendring Road, who built most of the new school in a factory. Working within government guidelines during the … Read more