Return to normality for Chorley secondary students: ‘We’ve tried to keep things as simple as possible’

Masks will be worn in the corridors, diners and during lessons at the school which is in line with government guidelines and mask wearing rules in Lancashire’s public places.

Six zones of the academy have been set up and students will usually take all of their lessons in the same zone, except for years 10 and 11 who may need access to specialist classrooms.

Headteacher Peter Mayland said: "We have had 140 children attending school all through lockdown but for the remainder who have been working at home during this time, it will be great to see them back.

“We’ve tried to keep things as simple as possible and the same as possible from September onwards.

“We’ve kept to the same timetable whilst studying from home and we have the same measures in place: the staggered start times; the year groups in different bubbles; and keeping them focused in the same classrooms.”

Mr Mayland is keen to see students come back to a full curriculum which will include practical subjects like science.

“We have had a number of students coming in before school reopened to get their testing so that they can start properly today.

“The younger students in years 7 and 8 are getting their first tests on Tuesday.”

Mass testing will take place across Lancashire’s schools with children and young people receiving home testing kits as well as taking lateral flow tests at school.

Visitors and parents will not be allowed to enter the school unless they arrange this in advance in an effort to improve social distancing and minimise the number of people in the school’s corridors.