The whole of Whitstone School's community have enjoyed a smooth transition back this week, after the long lockdown period of remote learning - ahead of many other secondary schools.

This is due mainly to the Shepton Mallet school's early roll out of their Covid-19 testing programme, even before school reconvened on Monday March 8.

Head teacher, Guy Swallow, said: "The safety of the students and staff here at Whitstone is paramount, and having everyone tested prior to the return to school was a mammoth challenge.

"Huge thanks must go to all of the staff involved in making the testing programme such a huge success, and also to all of our students for behaving in such a mature and sensible way, during the unpleasant yet necessary procedure - thank you all."

With all testing completed before Monday morning, the focus has been able to be on the students' return to learning, with wellbeing and reintegration to the school community a priority.

Attendance has been very high, and students and staff have adapted well to the Covid safety procedures in place, including wearing facemasks in all lessons.

Mr Swallow said: "Without the added distraction of testing, the return to school has been calm and organised.

"Myself and the teaching staff have been really impressed with the high standard of behaviour, uniform standards and attitude our students are displaying this week. They are showing they are really keen to get back to their learning - as are we."

The testing programme at Whitstone School has detected no cases of Covid-19 within the school community.

All students will continue regular testing using self-testing kits at home for the remainder of the school term.