A Whitchurch school has been praised for its Covid testing ahead of a reopening on Monday.

Students at Testbourne School were invited to have the tests on the school site as part of government guidance which says that places of education must test their students twice a week.

Parents at the school praised the quick and easy nature of the tests, saying that members of staff had put students “completely at ease” and will now be “much more confident” returning to school.

Aaron Baker, from Testbourne School, told the Advertiser: “We have completed 342 tests on Wednesday and 350 on Thursday, all of which were negative. Students are well behaved and we are very proud of them.

“We had overwhelmingly many community volunteers consist of parents and governors helping to run the site. We are looking forward to welcoming all students back next week with a phased return throughout the week.”

Like many schools across the area, Testbourne has introduced a variety of measures aimed at reducing the spread of Covid on their premises. This includes mask-wearing a one-way system around the site, and designated areas for different year groups.

Regular cleaning is also in place for ‘high-touch’ areas, while hand santisation is required throughout the day.

Aaron continued: “Our strengths as a school are our positive relationships between staff and students, excellent behaviour, focus in lessons and good order during lessons and at breaks and lunches. 

“It is thanks to our amazing staff and students that we’ve managed to make these adjustments so quickly and smoothly.”

The steps follow the government’s announcement that all schools and colleges will reopen from March 8.

While exams remain cancelled, groups such as breakfast clubs, societies and sporting events for children will be back as schools reopen.

The government says that parents should send their children back to school, unless doing so would be a breach of Covid rules, such as if the family is self-isolating.