BIRCHWOOD High School and College has been busy welcoming back years 10 and 12, following three months apart.
In line with Government guidance, the two year groups have been prioritised for a return to secondary school and college because they are due to take GCSE or A level exams next year.
At Birchwood High, year 10 pupils will attend school for five days per two weeks, from 9.30am until 2pm.
Their timetable will cover all core and optional subjects.
For students in year 12, they will be offered a slot at Birchwood College each week, allowing them to get advice and support in preparation for year 13.
Kelly Forster, assistant head teacher of teaching and learning, and professional development, said: "The safety of our students and staff is always our absolute number one priority, which is why we wouldn’t have invited our year 10 and 12 students back in unless we knew we could keep them safe.
"Staff and students were elated to see each other yesterday.
"We have missed them all so much and we couldn’t be any happier with how it went.
"I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the staff at Birchwood for their hard work.
"It really has been a team effort and everyone’s priority has been the safety of our students as well as making sure their time in school is happy and worthwhile."
Chris Burrows, head of Birchwood College, added: "It has been great to welcome back some of our year 12 students into Birchwood College this week.
"Some face-to-face contact with a member of staff has proven really useful as a starting point for students to return after some time out of college.
"Students have been invited in for a designated slot each week where they can discuss any issues that have arisen during the lockdown, and get some advice and support from our pastoral team.
"This is also an opportunity for students to speak with their subject teachers about work they have been completing over the last few months, in preparation for year 13.
"Students have been excited about returning and are really looking forward to getting stuck into the second half of their qualifications!
"It has been brilliant to see them all again!"
Photographer Dave Gillespie captured the social distancing and hygiene measures in place around the school grounds:
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