Kirklees grammar school headteacher thanks efforts during pandemic

After a long anticipated wait, Heckmondwike Grammar School, in High Street, welcomed its students new to the school in years 7 and 12 on Tuesday and the other year groups in staggered starts from Wednesday.

Headteacher, Peter Roberts thanked all his staff for the excellent remote teaching in the summer term and then physically preparing the school during the holiday, ready for the ‘big return’.

He said: “It was wonderful to welcome all our students back and beneath the face coverings, there were a few visible tears from both students and staff.

"Students are being taught and having their social times in year group bubbles with different start and finish times of lessons to avoid mixing on corridors.

"While there was an inevitable level of anxiety, students were clearly delighted to be back with their friends and eager to get back in the classroom.

"Parents have been incredibly supportive and we have had many emails thanking staff for the excellent teaching in the summer and also for the detailed reopening plans – indeed one anonymous parent left a huge bouquet of flowers in reception which was very gratefully received and added to the lovely hamper donated by Morrisons staff.”